shoes addiction

The wedge sneaker by Marc by Marc Jacobs

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:30:19 +0000

At the end of 2010, Isabel Marant unveiled a comfortable alternative to the 14cm heel – the wedge sneaker. Since the launch of her famous heel alternative, the wedge sneaker has continued to inspire other creators, including Marc Jacobs.

: Wedge sneaker by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Forget the previously known vulgar high-heeled sneakers. Marant’s wedged sneakers offered ergonomic trompe-l’oeil with a slightly retro twist and have been unanimously well-received for the last several seasons. Mixing sportswear style and a flattering optical illusion, her wedges have given an urban trendy touch to the everlasting sneaker.

The success of the Marant wedges did not gone unnoticed by the other labels, many of whom have since offered their own version. Some succeed in distancing themselves from the trendsetter (in particular, those by the Italian label, Serafini – fun design and affordable), while others, sadly, came out with nothing more than caricatures of the original.

By wanting so much to take advantage of the wedge sneaker buzz, it seems that some have overlooked that a minimal amount of thought might be a good idea to come up with a flattering form with a twist of fashion – as was apparently the case with Marc Jacobs whose wedge sneakers do not do honor to his usually creative spirit.

What is there to be said about the “Calk Dorada Sneaker,” unless it is to mention its clunkiness, its color schemes going from monochrome to badly-inspired Pierre Hardy Colorama, the combination of which result in a UFO (Unidentified Fashion Object) to be forgotten as quickly as possible?

: Pierre Hardy

We can only hope that Marc Jacobs will come back to his senses quickly and give us a better alternative next season…

Joan Sandals by Alexander Wang

admin — Sun, 20 May 2012 21:54:16 +0000

The latest Alexander Wang summer collection, with its Hawaii 5-0 meets mountain biking feel, might have understandably had difficulty winning over the fashionistas, but it was another situation altogether when it came to his footwear, especially the Joan sandals.

Since his debut as a designer in 2006, Wang has almost always proposed an irresistible chef-d’oeuvre shoe in all of his collections. The New Yorker Little Prince of Fashion has a way of mixing sex with minimalist ergonomics that ends up seducing many young urban females. The Joans, worn by many of his SS2012 models, are continuing the tradition.

With their ultra thin soles, optical-illusion heels and laser cut leather, these mule-like sandals are perfect for now without losing anything in uniqueness – in fact, the white Joans are so popular with the fashionistas that they are out of stock… So those joining the game late will have to be content with either the black or burgundy models, less summery but still very desirable.

Worn with oversized pants hiding everything except the pointy toes, or matched with shorts (pajama silk or bleached denim) in order to emphasize their overwhelming curves and their designer look, the sublime Joans by Alexander Wang could almost make us forget that the designer is not always as cool as he might seem…

p.s. those still stubbornly resisting pointy shoes would be wrong not to rethink their position as these shoes may be on their way to becoming a classic…
Joan Sandals Alexander Wang, 540 € at Mytheresa: http://www.mytheresa.com/joan-pumps/65415

Cowboy boots by Marc Jacobs

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:41:54 +0000

The SS2012 Marc Jacobs show mixed 1920s fantasy with sportswear and a somewhat tongue-in-cheek sex appeal, overflowing with UFO (Unidentified Fashion Object) hybrid pieces like these semi-transparent, high-heeled cowboy boots.

: Marc Jacobs SS2012 cowboy boot

Cowboy boots are still inspiring the designers today. Ever since James Dean rocked the cowboy boot, it has forever escaped its Texan rodeo corral. From models more or less faithful to their origins to more trendy derivations, they are regularly seen on the catwalks.

Recently revisited by Isabel Marant, the cowboy boot has already become an “it” shoe for FW2012-13. As for Miuccia Prada and Olivier Rousteing, they continue to make references to the cowboy boot in their leather cuts, whereas Zadig&Voltaire continue to use it as one of their main rock-bohemian components.

: Zadig&Voltaire

This being said, whereas these diverse variations are usually more desirable than not, the latest creation by Marc Jacobs has the fashionista scratching her head. The roots-rock touch that usually accompanies the cowboy boot derivative is completely absent from the Marc Jacobs version.

By mixing quasi-stiletto heels, an absence of worked leather, Plexiglas and patent finishes, the fashion bad boy runs the risk of seeing his boots end up in the cheap-not-chic bin before their time. Contrary to a number of their sisters, the Marc Jacobs boots do not have the ability to add that irresistible touch of urban casual to a look.

In practice, fans of the cowboy boot should consider these as fantasy footwear — and not as a touch of cool – by matching them with minimalist or even classical looks.

Marc Jacobs boots, 595 € at Net-a-Porter: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/193405

Keds x Madewell

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:32:22 +0000

When Madewell (J. Crew) teams up with Keds, the result is a capsule collection of 3 bohemian girly models guaranteed to attract the attention of all canvas sneaker fans.

Keds by Madewell

With their clean lines and recognizable look, Keds are one of those products susceptible to successful collaborations. There is nothing easier than to take their immaculate canvas and add a touch of another designer’s DNA. Following Opening Ceremony, Gap and many others, it is now Madewell’s turn (Alexa Chung’s favorite label) to apply its colors to the iconic sneakers.

Result: three models, of which two are particularly successful. With its leather laces and folk touches, the “native American” model will go well with pastels, soften SS2012 leather jackets, and complement a 70s look of flared jeans + loose tank + braided leather belt. The polka dot model (white dots on navy blue), trimmed in camel will add a touch of lightness to ¾ slims, boyfriend jeans and other chinos.

Combining affordable prices with uncontested appeal, these latest Madewell creations will surely be sold out on Keds e-shop. Those who will stop at nothing to acquire these summer jewels will have no choice but to travel overseas where Madewells stores can be found…

Sneakers Keds x Madewell – 50$
http://www.madewell.com/374667681

Repetto Ballerinas – SS2012

admin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:03:58 +0000

Wanted by those who love to mix and match trends with impulsive charm and classy casual, Repetto ballet flats have long since crossed their timeless design with a zest of fashion spirit. For SS2012, the famous BBs are back in the swing…

Repetto SS2012

Repetto has updated its iconic models with colors and textures taken directly from the runways and hit the jackpot, attracting new customers while satisfying their loyal fans.

By borrowing a bit of Louis Vuitton’s delicate mimosa yellow, Balmain’s gold glitter, Givenchy’s orange nudes and Miu Miu’s powdered metallics, Repetto’s stylists have delivered a collection that fits in perfectly with the current trends.

Ripped jeans with gold ones, pastels with patent leathers, faded slims with orange wedges, all go well with Repettos.

As for the spotlight SS2012 color, Amazon green, it wears more easily on a pair of discreet Repettos than on a leather jacket or other overpowering piece.

Another possibility – flower prints, pleats, stripes or even leopard will marry better with ballet flats in polka dots or pop stripes, making the best of mix and match prints.

Christian Louboutin au Crazy Horse

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:04:09 +0000

Louboutin au Crazy Horse

The red-sole shoe designer brings 4 scenes to the stage beginning March 5.

Christian Louboutin has made the women’s shoe the all-time fetishist’s object. The Crazy Horse, Paris’ sexiest cabaret, unsurprisingly courted the luxury shoe designer to shod their barely-clad dancers and to create several new scenes for their show Feu (“Fire”) that will run for 6 weeks. Louboutin designed several models specially adapted to the dancers’ feet, most of whom have had classical training, and directed 4 new scenes.

Assisted by dancer/choreographer Psykko Tico (aka Patricia Folly, with the Crazy Horse for over 12 years now), Louboutin, full of diverse cultural and ethnic influences, pulled out all the stops. From Zurbaran paintings to hip hop to Basquiat graffiti to Mapplethorpe photography, he was full of surprises. His scenes, animated by projections – colorful videos by stage designer Gilles Papain — touched on the religious and the vanities (“La Pénitente”), and brought together a group of girls for a battle between toe shoes and high heels, set to original music by David Lynch (“Mastéroïde”).

The finale, “West Side Crazy,” is presented as a hip-hop battle set to music by the dj/rapper Swizz Beatz (Alicia Keys’ husband). But the fans of Désirs, the 2009 show by Philippe Decoufflé, have nothing to fear – the divine Crazy Horse dancers can still carry off mythical numbers like “Teasing” and the tantalizing changing of the guard. Following Arielle Dombasle and Dita Von Teese, Louboutin, who concentrated on “the language of the legs,” perfectly filled his role as guest artist.

Feu, running until May 30^th at the Crazy Horse, 12, avenue George V, 75008 Paris.

Le Coq Sportif at Colette

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:59:08 +0000

Le Coq Sportif at Colette

To celebrate its 130^th birthday, the French label, le Coq Sportif, came out with a vintage-style sneaker. Given its retro feel, its extremely limited edition quantities to be found only at the Paris concept store, Colette, it has everything it takes to make Le Coq hype.

"Eclat" by le Coq Sportif

Despite the fact that the label had been long appreciated by professional athletes (in france by Yannick Noah, Laurent Fignon and Diego Maradona), le Coq Sportif was not able to handle the increase in worldwide competition and began to fade into the scenery in the 1990s.

It was not until 2005 and the arrival of Robert Louis-Dreyfus (the “Turnaround Specialist”) that le Coq Sportif was brought back from the near-dead. Emphasizing their online image and their “Made in France” heritage (by, among other, reopening their historique home in Romilly-sur-Seine), they slowly succeeded in dusting off their coat of arms.

Unfortunately, their attempts to collaborate with the fashion world (in order to win over the fashionista as well as the athlete) have previously not been that successful – e.g., Le Coq Sportif x Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Le Coq Sportif x Agnès B.

However, these disappointments do not seem to be holding back the “Eclat” model seen here, improved upon by the London sneaker specialist, Foot Patrol. Those looking for a retro-sporty touch will like the nylon/suedine combo with the 70s colors, which fit in perfectly with the look established by others like New Balance.

Only complaint: the slightly cheap plastic lace loops when metallic ones would have been so much better suited…

100 euros per pair

Limited edition 85 models, of which 12 will be on sale at Colette beginning end Feb 2012.

Miu Miu checkered pumps

admin — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:02:53 +0000

Miu Miu checkered pumps

They may have gone relatively unnoticed during the Miu Miu Resort 2012 show, but the oh-so-Brigitte-Bardot heels created by Miuccia Prada did not take long to attract the attention of the fashionistas and fashion editors. Many in Milan fell victim to the new, girly “it” shoes by Miu Miu…

Miu Miu Checkered Taffeta Bow Pumps

With their pointy ends, Carven-esque bow-ties, checkered taffeta and high heels, these fabulous 50s pumps have caught the eye of those with a penchant for a bit of retro chic as well as the camera lenses of the street stylers who photographed them.

Transforming checks into a fabulously feminine fresh print, in combination with a plunging low cut and bowtie, these Miu Miu pumps have successfully twisted pin-up with the urban silhouette.

Mixed with floral prints, Liz-Taylor-esque ACNE dresses, Vuitton SS2012 pastels, with ¾ cigarette pants, pleated skirts or jeans, these pumps go everywhere.

Other options include a slightly loose “marinière” tucked into a colored pleated skirt, faded slims rolled up over the ankles, sweats à la Céline, full chambray skirts/pastel cable stitch pullover, Joseph cropped pants in orange/light gray egg coat à la Balenciaga/tight little pullover in navy blue…

Miu Miu checkerd taffeta pumps, 460 € chez Saks Fifth Avenue :
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/96632079

Also available in green and mandarin

Shoes Trends SS2012, Part 5: Ethnic Chic

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:56:33 +0000

Ethnic and Co.

Burberry Prorsum SS2012

From Burberry Prorsum to Marc by Marc Jacobs, African artisan touches will be seen everywhere this season. Braided leather tribal graphics, colored wooden beaded straps and wax covered soles, SS2012 sandals are giving themelves over to a veritable safari chic, Christopher Bailey’s Africa Dream wedge boots in the lead.

Burberry Prorsum ss2012

Fashion editors and buyers in full prep for the upcoming fashion weeks will surely be won over.

Burberry Prorsum ss2012

In summary:

Alexander Wang brings sexy back to sport
Balenciaga and Aperlaï go conceptual with winged models

Aperlaï SS2012

Mix-and-match textures continues (Rochas, Rag&Bone)
The Hawaiian shirt print goes footwear (Charlotte Olympia, Altuzarra)

Charlotte Olympia SS2012

Fish skins are the new “it” material
2011 fluorescents are still hanging on (Diane Von Furstenberg, Brian Atwood)
Sandal straps go multicolor (Versus, Fendi, Dries Van Noten)

Fendi SS2012

Metallic studs are the new trendy detail (Louis Vuitton, YSL)
Balmain open-toed low boots embroidery should revive Balmainmania

Balmain SS2012

Carven’s girly models already have what it takes to become must-haves
Rocha’s peasant-charm mules.

Shoe Trends SS2012, Part 4: Wedges, version 2012

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:05:47 +0000

Wedges, version 2012

Despite the fact that wedges were inducted into the Fashionable Footwear Hall of Fame decades ago, they continue to evolve almost every season into new esthetic fads. Wedges version 2012 have, with a nod to their famous cork ancestors (in part, a result of the lack of leather in the 1940s), gone retro, i.e. at Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Chloé.

Also worth mentioning is that the Prada wedge SS2011 influence is still making itself felt, given the number of models with rope soles seen around.

Prada SS2011

And while many of the latest wedges attempt to lighten their silhouette by thinning down, those offered by Isabel Marant and Loeffler Randall focus on openly massive formats, bringing back the platform sole.

Isabel Marant

Loeffler Randall

Up next, Ethnic Chic…