Stories with

Esperanza Del La Fuente

On hectic mornings, summers in Spain and a little one’s first wobbly steps.

In this edition of Bundgaard Stories, we meet Esperanza De La Fuente, or Espe, at her home in London. Born in Spain, Espe moved to the British capital 16 years ago to pursue a career in fashion. Today she works as a stylist and art director and lives with her husband and their two boys: Lucas, 6, and Viggo, 16 months. Between work trips and school runs, there is always something to plan, and as the seasons change, Espe is also thinking about how to make time to rest. We spoke with her about busy mornings, long summer days with family in the north of Spain, and the first steps of a little boy she half expected to stay a baby forever.

Tell us a little about yourself and your everyday life as a parent.

I was born in Spain and moved to London 16 years ago to pursue a career in fashion. If someone had told me back then that this city would become my home, and the place where I’d end up raising my own family, I wouldn’t have believed them. Although there is no perfect place, I feel very lucky to be living here.

When I’m not travelling for work, my typical day looks like this: early wake-ups, the kids climbing into our bed, Viggo having his bottle, then we all get up, make breakfast, have coffee and get ready for school and work. Mornings and evenings are hectic and messy, with confusion over where the school bag is or which shoes to wear. I’m still surprised that we make it to school on time every day.

Corey Dark Brown

Esperanza De La Fuente

Mornings and evenings are hectic and messy, with confusion over where the school bag is or which shoes to wear. I’m still surprised that we make it to school on time every day!

Dash Sky

What is on your mind at the moment?

There’s always a lot of scheduling and preparing on my mind. My sister has just had a baby, and I’m wondering when I’ll next get to Madrid. There’s also an upcoming work trip to Portugal to get organised for.

More generally, as autumn and winter approach, I’m thinking about how to take good care of myself during this time. What meals could I be cooking? What can I adjust in my schedule so I can rest more? Life with kids and work is busy, and I don’t want to forget about myself in all of it.

Dash Sky

Where do you most like to go with your boys?

We had such a nice time this summer at my parents’ place in the north of Spain. The kids played outside all day with their cousins, and we swam and ate in the garden. We hardly left the house: the kids were so happy, and so were we.

Do you remember your boys’ first steps?

Yes, I remember both! Viggo took his first very wobbly, very cute steps only recently, at around 14 months. It still surprises me to see him walking around the house all by himself like a little dizzy man. Did I expect him to be a baby forever? Maybe.

What matters most to you when choosing shoes for the boys?

Comfort, quality and support, and once winter comes, warmth too.

What does Bundgaard mean to you?

To me, Bundgaard means you can have it all: shoes that are comfy, cosy and really well made.