Matera, in the film, is all pale stone and warm light, and Madeleine Swann is dressed to match it. On her feet, in more than one scene, is the same quiet shoe: a white satin wedge with a cut-away front and a strap at the ankle. The Castañer Chiarita espadrilles are the kind of summer shoe that does its work without drawing comment, which is exactly why they are worth a closer look.
In the film
Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine wears Chiarita espadrilles in the Matera sequences of No Time To Die: with a white ribbed dress during the DB5 chase, and with the red Rouje Gabin dress on the stroll through the town with Daniel Craig’s Bond. The pair appears to be the 9cm white satin version, code CHIARITA/8/SS19006, from Castañer’s 2019 collection. That height rests on a single identification rather than a maker’s statement, so we hold it as probable, not certain.
That 2019 version is out of production, and Castañer no longer sells it new. It turns up second-hand, so the button below is a search of eBay for the pair. Check the height, size and condition in each listing before you buy. The Chiarita itself is still in Castañer’s range, in other heights and finishes.
The details of the Castañer Chiarita espadrilles
The V-shaped front. The upper is cut low across the toes in a V. In our view it lengthens the line of the foot and keeps the shoe from looking heavy on a wedge of this height.
Satin, not canvas. This version has a satin front, which gives a soft sheen the usual cotton espadrille lacks. The listed composition for the code is 50% polyester and 50% cotton. It dresses up a little, and it asks for more care than canvas.
A 9cm wedge. It is a considerable lift for an espadrille, built on the braided jute that gives the family its character. Castañer also makes the Chiarita in a 7cm wedge and an 11cm double-platform version, so this sits between the two.
The ankle strap. A buckle at the ankle holds the shoe on, which matters on cobbles and steps. Matera has plenty of both.
Made in Spain. Castañer describes its shoes as hand-stitched and made in Spain, and gives 1927 as the start of that tradition. The espadrille is its trade, and it shows in the proportions.
Wearing it now
These are, in our view, best worn as the film wears them: with something simple and light. A white or cream linen dress, a pale ribbed knit and a full skirt, or tailored linen trousers all work. The wedge gives height without the formality of a heel, so they suit a long lunch, a harbour, a hillside village or a wedding in warm weather.
Choose the height with care. At 9cm the shoe is theatrical in the right way, but less forgiving over a long day. If you plan to walk, Castañer sells the Chiarita in a lower 7cm wedge, including a satin version. It is the same shape in a more practical proportion.
Fit. Castañer calls the 7cm Chiarita true to size and sells women’s sizes from EU 35 to 41. Check the maker’s size chart for the 9cm before you order, as heights can sit differently on the foot.
Care. Satin is delicate. Castañer advises brushing off surface dirt, then wiping gently with a lightly dampened microfibre cloth, and letting the shoes dry in the air away from sun and heat. Keep them out of washing machines and away from grease and perfume.
Specifications
| Model | Castañer Chiarita, 9cm white satin version |
|---|---|
| Code | CHIARITA/8/SS19006 (2019 collection) |
| Upper | White satin, V-shaped front; listed composition 50% polyester, 50% cotton |
| Closure | Ankle strap with buckle |
| Wedge | 9cm, braided jute |
| Made | Spain, hand-stitched |
| Availability | Out of production; found second-hand. For reference, Castañer’s current 7cm satin CHIARITA/6/006 was US$260 RRP at the time of writing, October 2026 |
Current models and sizing are on Castañer’s own site.
Questions
Does Madeleine Swann wear Castañer espadrilles in No Time To Die?
Yes. Madeleine, played by Léa Seydoux, wears Castañer Chiarita espadrilles in the Matera scenes, with both the white ribbed dress and the red dress. The exact 9cm white satin version is the likely match rather than a confirmed one.
Are the Castañer Chiarita espadrilles still available?
Not new. The 9cm 2019 version is out of production and is found second-hand. The Chiarita remains in Castañer’s range in other heights and finishes, including a 7cm satin version.
Are Castañer espadrilles true to size?
Castañer describes the 7cm Chiarita as true to size. Use the maker’s size chart, which runs from EU 35 to 41, and allow for a different feel on a taller wedge.
How do you clean white satin espadrilles?
Brush off dry dirt first, then wipe gently with a lightly dampened microfibre cloth and let them dry in the air. Test any cleaning mixture on a hidden spot, and never machine wash them.
More from the film is on the No Time To Die page; for a wider look at what Bond’s world wears, see our shoes and the Bonds.
