Malababa, my caramel leather crush, is an artisan leather design workshop turned boutique luxury women shoes and accessories brand. The Madrid-based founders, Ana Carrasco and Jaime Lara, work with an expert pool of craftsmen and women to create incredibly seductive leather finishes for their pieces. I especially love Malababa‘s reddish-hued leather shoes and bags.
“Federica” ballerina flat by Malababa, as seen some time ago on YOOX. I absolutely adore the “burnt caramel” finish and the slightly worn effect of the leather. They didn’t have my size, unfortunately.“Cestona” basket-style woven leather bag in “old pink” by Malababa (currently at 420 Euros on the Malababa website).“Fedecuqui” mid-heel pump in cherry. 170 Euros on the Malababa website.
“Federica”, Malababa‘s basic ballerina (also featured here), is hands down the best ballerina I’ve ever seen. I love the fluid, elongated shape, there is just enough toe “cleavage” to make this classic shoe sexy and the deep Cordovan-style leather finish is to die for. For me the only con is that it doesn’t come in my size (9.5-10 US, 41 Spanish). I should really inquire into this.
Recently I also discovered “Fedecuqui“, the brand’s new mid-heel pump (currently at 170 Euros). It has the same fluid signature Malababa shape to it as the ballet flat and comes in a number of pastels and classic colors, all with a beautiful soft glossy finish.
The “Fedecuqui Salobreña” mid-heel pump in a creamy caramel finish.Relaxed country style for the city: “Teodora” woven leather bag. This color is referred to as “Cowboy” by the brand. It makes me think of honey caramel. At 530 Euros it’s one of the most expensive bags of the current collection.“Jimbo” organically shaped natural leather color clutch bag. Currently at 144 Euros through Malababa website.Knotbag by Malababa. 230 Euros on Malababa website.Sweet basics: “Gomapan” flat leather sandal with a gently serrated sole in light honey/caramel color. Currently on sale for 91 Euros on the Malababa website.
Caramel, honey caramel, deep caramel leather – it’s all synonymous with luxury. My Malababa caramel leather crush is an expensive crush to have, but, fortunately, they do have sales, and the shoes are way more accessible than bags.
“Hermenegilda” large woven leather bag in “moka“. Currently at 495 Euros on Malababa website.“Elba” quilted mini bag in sheep leather, on sale for 99 Euros at Malababa website.“Federica” ballet flat in silver crackled effect leather, currently on sale for 63 Euros through the Malababa website.
Skull and stars leather and metal bracelet by Malababa, available at YOOX. To buy, click on the image.Ana Carrasco and Jaime Lara, the modern leather artisans, founders of the Malababa brand.
Malababa opened its first boutique in Madridin 2010. It is located in the prestigious Salamanca district. The interior is a nice mix of contemporary and rustic decor. Image courtesy of GOOP.
As of today, Malababa has five boutiques in Spain‘s major cities, all located in upscale shopping areas (two in Madrid, one in Barcelona, one in Bilbao, and one in San Sebastian).
So, that’s my caramel leather crush. Pretty sweet, huh?
Ann Mailsi is a writer and social media buff based in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. Her interests include fashion, technology, and nature adventures.
