Everything you need to know about the Colores de Alegría collection
At Mapache, every new collection is an adventure that begins far from Clermont-Ferrand... somewhere between the ochre facades of Mexico and the hands of our artisans. For 2026, this adventure bears a name that smells of sunshine: Colores de Alegría, the colors of joy. Behind this name is our new collection of handmade Mexican footwear: leather huaraches, sandals, flats, and mules, woven by our artisans. But what is really hidden behind these new models? To tell you all about it, we handed the microphone to Claire, our Marketing and Communications Director. Get comfortable, she’s telling you everything.
Can you introduce the Colores de Alegría collection to us?
"Well, Colores de Alegría is, above all, an ode to joy. But mind you, not the flashy, ostentatious kind! We wanted to create styles that are easy to wear in everyday life. Through the looks we envisioned for the photoshoot, we wanted to show that a pair of Mapaches provides that extra touch (a bit of light, a splash of color, a sophisticated detail), whether worn with a simple outfit or a look that is already colorful and full of patterns.
Ultimately, the goal is quite simple: that you feel happy wearing your pair, period. A Mapache is both the pair you slip on when you're feeling lazy and the one that makes your whole outfit shine. And behind all of this, there is obviously the Mexico we love so much: a warm and luminous country, with its landscapes, its artisans, its smiles, its expertise. We wanted to bring the colors of joy to life everywhere, at every level."
What were your inspirations for imagining this collection?
"My first inspiration is the one that has driven us from day one: Mexican craftsmanship and woven leather. We love to highlight it in every collection, and this year we had fun exploring different types of weaving, by adding embroidery, for example. We also always keep an eye on trends, flats, loafers... We draw inspiration from them for the shapes, while adding our own touch and taking into account the expertise of our artisans.
And then there was San Miguel de Allende. We were there during the Day of the Dead, and it was a real turning point. Seeing Mexicans transform a moment that is ostensibly 'sad' into such a joyful and colorful celebration is exactly what we wanted to translate: putting joy into what we wear. San Miguel is one of the Pueblos Mágicos, and it sets the tone: ochre and terracotta facades, impeccable alleys, bohemian spirit... For us, it’s the perfect balance between traditional Mexico and what we love about ourselves. A city we always enjoy returning to when our travels lead us there, and from which we leave every time with our heads full of inspiration!"
What are the main novelties of the collection?
"There are several! First, regarding colors: greige, red, and chocolate remind us so much of San Miguel. These are natural shades that, between us, are big sellers.
As for the models, three are very dear to me. The Nora has a much more understated shape than what we usually do, but we elevated it with embroidery inspired by our own dust bags, a house pattern we’re quite proud of! The Sofia is based on a totally different construction: a real challenge for our artisans, a shape we aren't used to making, just like the Pia, for that matter. And finally, the Santiago: it draws on our Mexican inspirations, but without woven leather this time. We wanted to try something more folkloric, a bit daring... and we don't regret our gamble, because it really performed very well!"
How does Colores de Alegría fit into the Mapache universe while bringing something new this season?
"It shines a spotlight on everything we love: Mexico, its culture, its craftsmanship. We are always looking to show that our handmade shoes are not just simple pairs, but unique pieces, true jewels to be cherished, with quality and craftsmanship behind each of them.
This season, we were bold, and the Santiago is the best example. The real challenge was meeting our customers' expectations with new models and colors designed for them, while keeping the common thread of the Mapache universe. Two goals that aren't always easy to reconcile... and I believe we succeeded in both, which makes us proud. Ultimately, what changes is that we are increasingly embracing our Mexican and colorful side. And I'll let you in on a secret: in 2027, we'll embrace it even more. So stay tuned!"
If you had to choose one or more iconic pieces from the collection, which would they be and why?
"Ouch, you're asking me to choose among my favorites... Well, I have a few I can whisper to you!
The Ilona Rose Coco: the pep of nylon. It's our second year with nylon, a pair so comfortable that you won't take it off all summer.
The Santiago Flashy Pink Orange: the ray of sunshine. Its color combination is super punchy, enough to instantly wake up any outfit.
The Loma Iris: sparkling sobriety. A model we know well, very comfortable, an easy-to-wear shape, but in a color that summarizes the Colores de Alegría spirit on its own: a sober base lifted by a touch of color that provides that extra bit of Mexico—folkloric but light. In short, the pair you can adopt with your eyes closed.
The Alegre Champagne: the timeless icon. It's not a new release, but it goes everywhere, all the time. A luminous and soft color, that jewel-like quality, in a shape that remains a bestseller season after season. It adapts to every collection, always there, faithful to the post."
There you go, you know everything about Colores de Alegría! Want to discover it in pictures? Go take a look at the Colores de Alegría lookbook, or dive straight into all our 2026 new arrivals: huaraches, sandals, flats, and mules. And to make sure you don't miss any upcoming creations (we promised you some lovely surprises for 2027...), join us on Instagram.
See you very soon, under the Mexican sun!
