DOMESTIC TRAVEL

Client: Mulo

Mulo specialise in high-quality espadrilles for stylish vacations. When the global pandemic struck in 2020, traveling abroad—or even stepping outside our homes—became problematic, forcing many to work and study remotely.

  • Six pairs of colorful espadrilles shoes lined up next to a swimming pool on light-colored tiles.

    Despite the growing demand for at-home footwear, there were no shoes specifically designed for this purpose. Mulo’s espadrille structure served as a good starting point for creating a work-from-home shoe.

    Their existing shoes were made of fine linens and cottons, their lightweight construction lacked the necessary strength, comfort and support for all-day wear. To develop the ultimate work-from-home shoe, a complete redesign adapted them for heavier, extended use.

  • Series of hand-drawn sneaker sketches and designs, featuring different styles, shapes, and descriptions of shoes, with notes on materials and construction details.

    Mulo’s brand strategy was revised and current collections were carefully studied to look for existing constructions which could be utilised to create these new types of shoes and. Mulo aimed to be a first-to-market and category leader in this emerging category.

    Drawings explored adapted structures, alternative materials and modified upper designs to suit the new purpose of a ‘studio shoe’. Earlier sock-boot proposals were pared down to create a sports-inspired loafer through initial hand sketching.

  • A pair of brown textured espadrilles, placed on a stone tile floor.

    The first style to be commercially launched first was the ‘Studio Slip-On’. Intended as a core essential, the original Mulo espadrille was refurbished in robust, premium materials. The previous midsole strip of woven hemp was replaced with a tough, slightly waxed Italian suede, ideal for concealing everyday scuffs around the home. The soft rubber sole provided all-around traction.

    A new cushioned interior with anatomical support offered superior comfort, complemented by an active carbon lining to improve breathability and enhance odour resistance, ensuring the shoes could be worn comfortably with or without socks.

    In this version, rich Scottish tweeds and natural leather details achieved a sense of homely elegance.

  • A person sitting at a wooden table, wearing brown corduroy espadrilles, dark jeans rolled up at the ankle.

    Thick organic corduroy was employed for its velvety-soft comfort and cosy feel. Its warm, rich colors - inspired by traditional men’s casual footwear - easily paired with relaxed trousers and jeans for the home-studio worker.

  • Partially visible person sitting at a wooden table, wearing brown espadrillles, rolled-up dark jeans, and a gray sweater, with shoes on the floor next to a pair of green slip-on shoes on a wooden floor.

    A sustainable design approach was embraced through material choices, including low-impact natural fibre fabrics, responsibly sourced leathers, and water-based adhesives. Sustainable manufacturing processes involved collaboration with local craftspeople, suppliers and producers to ensure traceable, responsible practices. The goal was to create shoes that are elegant and ethical.

  • Person wearing beige pants and black slip-on shoes, sitting on a dark-colored sofa with sunlight casting shadow patterns on the floor.

    By removing the rear heel counter and extending the vamp, a simple, dynamic, casual-but-tough house slipper was produced for relaxed downtime, showcased here in Italian suede and fully lined with natural sheepskin. The added leather trim and modern shape ensured they were cosy and classy.

  • A man sitting on a wooden outdoor bench, wearing sunglasses, a white t-shirt, light-colored pants, and tan slip-on shoes. The right side of the image shows a pair of tan slip-on shoes from a top-down view.

    In a further elevated version, the original espadrille was deconstructed and entirely rebuilt using only ‘Rovesciato’ leather—a thick and flexible material that can remain unlined to ensure full-foot breathability. This version offers a collapsible hell counter, lighter weight and adapts to the wearer’s contours over time, creating a custom fit.

  • Person wearing brown slippers and brown corduroy pants standing on wooden floor.

    To complete the collection, a more formal slipper was introduced. Constructed on an elegant and modern Oxford shoe last, this ‘luxe’ version featured full-grain calfskin for the upper and sidewalls, finished with a full-length leather sole, perfect for the bedroom and the boardroom.

  • “Studio McCaffrey brings encyclopaedic knowledge of, and experience in, design across disciplines, and, in our case, brought a deep understanding of footwear."

    Toby Cox, Director - Mulo Footwear