Tag Archives: shoes
Buy it now: luxe comfort shoes
It’s not just the catwalk getting in on the comfort shoe act (hello Celine Fur-Kenstock), die-hard comfort shoe brands have been drastically upping their game in design. While I’ve never understood the appeal of Ugg boots, I can’t fault the designs of some of Ugg Australia’s recent offers (like its men’s sheepskin-lined trainers) and aspirational advertising imagery. Continue reading
Remember when…Hedi made these golden boots?
Wonder if he’ll do them again for Saint Laurent?
Meet Christian Louboutin’s Madame Mouse
I’m not-very-secretly relieved to see the demise of the monopoly of the ‘plat-heel’ shoe. Those overstated stilettos with a stacked platform (also known as stripper heels) have just become ubiquitous on the high street to the point that it’s almost impossible to find high heels with normal soles. Well that’s slowly changing. Continue reading
Just dropped: Agyness Deyn for Dr Martens SS13
Just arrived at Dr Martens… this new collection by Agyness Deyn. This time, her inspiration was Harajuku, hence the chunky naive sandals, Minnie Mouse bows and loveheart motifs. I’m glad to see that Dr Martens has hit its stride in recent seasons, aligning itself with the modern heritage movement and successfully catering to old and new customers (the stores in Westfield Stratford and Carnaby Street are pitch perfect). Continue reading
Fantasy footwear: Terry De Havilland’s dancing shoes
How can you not love these all-singing-all-dancing SS13 shoes from Terry De Havilland? The Margaux, Terry’s original signature wedge, celebrates its 40th birthday this year. That’s got to be worth throwing a party for…
Bringing back the ‘Comma’ heel
We saw mutated versions of it at Raf Simons’ debut Dior couture show last July, and now Bruno Frisoni has updated the original in silver mirror leather and pink mink for Roger Vivier’s Rendez-Vous collection AW13. The iconic ‘Comma’ shoe, designed by Vivier in the 1950s was a precursor to the stiletto. As shoe designer for Dior, his creations set the benchmark in footwear design for years to come, and the bent, squat ‘Comma’ was one of his best.
Fast forward to 2013 and we’re seeing more versions of those inwards- and outwards-curved heels, both from the house of Dior and from the house of Vivier and in short and tall versions. For Dior RTW SS13 they’re tall, slightly flared and bent inwards, while at yesterday’s Dior couture show they were super-slender and came in bright metallics and chalky shades. Let’s see if the ‘Comma”s influence spreads further…
Original Roger Vivier ‘Comma’ heel 1957
Roger Vivier Rendez-Vous Collection AW13
Buy it now: new spring things
This winter I did really well on the jumper front so for now I can ease off on the knitwear buying. That said, I’m very drawn to Stella’s fruit salad chevron stripes and these Maria La Rosa socks. For tapping into the big 60s monochrome story, Motel’s block-striped top will come in very useful, both with tailored skirts (like Carven’s lush poppy red one) and boy fit jeans. Its loosely cut proportions are very flattering and the zip at the back makes it slightly more dressy. While the skinny cigarette heel is making a huge comeback, chunky heels and flatforms are still best for everyday city living – preferably dipped in silver or gold…
ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT:
TOP: Stella McCartney top; Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric; Marni shoes
MIDDLE: Olympia Le Tan book clutch; Motel top; Nina Peter gloves
BOTTOM: Maria La Rosa socks; Carven skirt; ASOS flatforms
Trend report: first look at Prada ss13 menswear, womenswear and *those* shoes
The Prada stacked ‘geta’ flatform is a work of art, that’s undisputed. A piece that you can actually wear? Not so much. Yes, you’ll see Anna Dello Russo, Fran Burns et al admirably trialling it come the February shows, but in the main those editors have drivers; mere mortals will face more of a challenge. Because as well as their height and bulk, these mega shoes weigh a bloody ton! Which is why Prada has also unveiled a far more wearable properly flat version, plus of course its fabulous metallic tabi sock which promises to be the real hit of the season. Continue reading
Menswear focus: stylish Londoners get suited and booted at Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Selfridges
I literally can’t keep up with all the menswear retail goings-on in London this autumn. Just opened in Knightsbridge is another shiny new Burberry store (above), this time focussed on menswear. Craftsmanship and technology are given equal attention, with the store itself built by British stonemasons, carpenters, cabinet makers etc and over 50 speakers and 100 screens installed to engage the customer with digital experiential content. Continue reading
Ooh la la, have you seen Charlotte Olympia’s SS13 collection?
I knew I was going to like Charlotte Olympia’s SS13 collection when I got a glimpse of the chi-chi perfume bottle clutches a few weeks ago. But seeing the whole collection up close, I’m in love, lust, admiration and adulation. Where to start? Wicker wedges, satin espadrilles, cotton kitty pumps, poodle (poodle!) shoes, embroidered ‘newspaper’ clutches, genteel heels, “ooh la la” flats – there’s just so much to adore in this witty Paris-themed collection (which lands in February). Continue reading
