Shoe designer Luis Espiritu describes his new line of Wataru slides as inspired by the everyday footwear of the Spanish era. The closed-toe shoes, made from abaca and canvas, are available in over 15 colors, ranging from neutral, to bright, and dark. They complement the rest of the Wataru collection, including the previously released Mary Janes and wedges, which supports the craft of artisans from Bicol, Laguna, and Quezon. Working hand-in-hand with retail brand Collezione-C2, Espiritu wants to revive the dying abaca and weaving industries through his shoes.

This article was originally published in Southern Living, January 2017.