From traditional espadrilles to fashion accessories
ORIGINS
1935 the company is founded by Jean Corbun in Sainte Marie de Gosse (south of Bordeaux). At the time, it was a small espadrille workshop that Mr. Corbun ran with his wife.
1950 PARE GABIA, meaning "matchless" in the Basque language, appears on the scene. The brand was
engraved at the bottom of the vulcanisation moulds that the founders bought from a Mauléon manufacturer
who was going out of business. As a result, PARE GABIA came into being as a brand when espadrilles were
first vulcanised (adding a thin layer of rubber to the bottom of the sole).
1970 Jean Corbun, the founder's son, joins the workshop. These years mark the comeback for
traditional espadrilles with the beginning of rope wedge heels. PARE GABIA was already working with
fashion designers...
1995 with a degree from the Romans shoe school, Isabelle Varin joins as a stylist after a stint with
shoemaker Stéphane Kélian. Ever since, she's been constantly reinventing the rope-soled shoe and espadrilles are now seen as often on pavement as on the beach.
2007 first collection of PARE GABIA leather shoes for winter 2007-2008.
2008 PARE GABIA joins the LUXAT DEVELOPPEMENT group.
2010 first collection of PARE GABIA men's leather shoes for winter 2010-2011.
LEGEND
The espadrille most certainly originates in the
Pyrenees. It is said that as early the 13th century,
the foot soldiers of the King of Aragon wore
them. Starting in the 15th century, espadrilles
were made by hemp and linen craftsmen in the
Basque country.
Worn by farm workers and miners in northern
France before mines were humidified,
espadrilles were used as athletic shoes for
running, playing tennis and, of course, playing
Basque pelota before trainers came about.
ICON
Picasso, Dali, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and,
more recently, Penelope Cruz and Scarlett
Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona wore this
iconic accessory that represents both freedom
and art de vivre...
Ever since, espadrilles have been a regular
on the catwalks... Even in the 70s, Yves Saint
Laurent sent his models out in them.