It's 91 in the shade at my house and I'm about to slip into something more comfortable. Around the house, I'll probably go with my Persian espadrilles, which my friend Hooman picked up for me in Tehran. They aren't really espadrilles, they're called "geeveh," and they're a little sturdier than espadrilles, but they're sort of an Iranian equivalent. There's no left or right—they're interchangeable. I love the pointed toes. They make me feel like rugs could fly. They are super comfortable, cool, and washable. I throw them right in the machine. Right now the other geeveh is so filthy it couldn't be photographed.

Geeveh are the national footwear of Iran and they are still worn by villagers. In the big city, however, they have been pretty much displaced by Nikes and Adidas. Fashion tends to kill the great traditions. I sure wish the trade embargo would come down, because I think these cotton shoes with leather-and-rope soles are really great, and I'd buy them by the dozen. International understanding starts with baby steps, and stepping in these is really comfy.