Why Joyasol Partnered with Mercado Global
At Joyasol, we believe the best products tell a story.
While beautiful design and exceptional craftsmanship are important, we also believe that who makes a product matters. That belief is what made our partnership with Mercado Global such a natural fit.
The story actually began years before the first Mercado Global x Joyasol espadrille was created.
In 2020, while Joyasol was still in its earliest stages, founder Christina Bullock was introduced to Mercado Global and its founder, Ruth Alvarez-Degolia. As Christina was building a footwear brand centered around thoughtful design, European craftsmanship, and responsible production, she was immediately inspired by Mercado Global's mission.
Mercado Global is a nonprofit and social enterprise that partners with Indigenous women artisans in Guatemala, helping create opportunities through fair wages, education, and entrepreneurship. Their work preserves generations of traditional weaving techniques while creating meaningful economic impact for women and their families.
The connection felt immediate because both organizations shared many of the same values.
Both believe in creating products with purpose.
Both are committed to preserving craftsmanship in an increasingly mass-produced world.
Both believe fashion can be beautiful, timeless, and impactful at the same time.
For years, Christina admired Mercado Global's work and hoped there would one day be an opportunity to create something together. When the timing was right, this collaboration felt less like a partnership and more like the coming together of two organizations that had always shared a common vision.
Designing the Carmen Espadrille
When it came time to create the collection, we wanted to design an espadrille that felt timeless, versatile, and effortless to wear.
The result is the Carmen Espadrille, a classic warm weather silhouette that brings together artisan woven textiles from Guatemala with generations of Portuguese shoemaking expertise.
We carefully selected two timeless stripe patterns in versatile neutral colorways. The Sand Stripe offers a warm, natural look that pairs beautifully with everything from linen dresses to denim, while the Denim Stripe provides a classic coastal feel that can be dressed up or down throughout the season.
The striped textiles are handwoven by Mercado Global artisans in Guatemala before being thoughtfully crafted into finished shoes by skilled shoemakers in Portugal. The result is a shoe that honors the heritage and craftsmanship behind every step.
Beyond its timeless design, Carmen was created for real life. A soft microsuede lining, memory foam cushioning, and lightweight espadrille construction make it as comfortable as it is beautiful.
More Than an Espadrille
The Mercado Global x Joyasol collection is about more than creating a beautiful women's espadrille.
It is about celebrating the women behind the weaving.
It is about preserving artisan craftsmanship and traditional techniques.
It is about supporting ethical fashion and demonstrating that thoughtful production and beautiful design can go hand in hand.
Most importantly, it is about creating products that connect us to the people who make them.
Every pair of Carmen Espadrilles carries a story of craftsmanship, heritage, and collaboration. From the artisans who weave the textiles in Guatemala to the shoemakers who bring them to life in Portugal, each pair represents the extraordinary work of many talented hands.
We are honored to partner with Mercado Global and proud to share this collection with you.
Because fashion is at its best when it is made with purpose, crafted with care, and connected to the people behind it.
Explore the limited edition Mercado Global x Joyasol collection here.
