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…

YSL

Promoted by Marc Jacobs, pastels were seen on pumps, ballet flats, platforms and ankle boots, taking on hues from orange sorbet to aqua green to faded yellow.

Jil Sander’s are demurely monochrome, those by Yves Saint Laurent are boosted by metallic detailing, and Marni’s are color-blocking.  Whatever the case, pastes are more than ever part of the scene.  SS2012 will be difficult to imagine without a pair of pastels shoes to lend a touch of trendiness to a pair of jeans.

Jil Sander

This being said, those who abhor these Elizabeth II hat-like colors can rest assured:  some designers are openly shunning the pastel trend in favor of a more glittery color range.  Dries Van Noten, Emilio Pucci, and Lanvin are offering metallic models in copper, gold and silver that are just waiting to give a twist to a spring wardrobe.

Marni

 (Up next, wedges, version 2012)

But there you have it.  With the current sporty trend, these sandals could start making their way up to the fahionista’s wardrobe.  From the Alexander Wang monochrome models to the ethno/casuals by Camilla Skovgaard (above left) to the turquoise pythons by Stella McCartney (above right), the walking sandal is taking on the current trends and convincing the high-heel aficionados to go over to the comfortable side.

Alexander Wang

Note to self:  these sandals, if so chosen, are not to be worn with a casual look or risk looking like the perfect vacationer, but to mix them with other influences and styles.

(Up next, pastels vs metallics)

Normally considered unpractical, mules have been shunned on the podiums for a long time.  However, 2012 might well see their return to grace, as was indicated by the numerous models on offer recently, making them seem up to date and desirable.

In particular, the famous Prada creations, with their flames and heels styled with fire-shooting exhaust pipes, have been a sensation in the SS2012 collections, and the dual-colored Miu Miu mules and the sport-rustic Rag&Bones, bringing together comfort with style, have been lending the comeback some credibility.

(Next, the walking sandal)

Miu Miu curved heel black glitter open toe

• 70s boots in caramel, bordeaux, midnight blue or camel are a must for this season’s knee-length skirts.  Mix with chiffon dresses or full skirts for the Annie Hall look.

• Live from the London Mod scene of the 1960s, the Chelsea Boot has seen its fashion stock value go up recently.  Instantly recognizable, these elastic sided boots are available in traditional unisex or high-heeled and edgy.  In any case, the Chelsea Boot (in cappuccino or black, flat or heeled) are good to give a boyish touch to a pair of skinny ¾ pants or to dress down a mini-dress or boost a sweater dress.

Miu Miu

• Rarely before has materials been used so well than in these stars.  Mixing textures, e.g. suede + glitter (Miu Miu) or leather + suede (Isabel Marant) has resulted in this season’s must-haves.

• More en vogue than ever, a touch of fur to a pump transforms it into surrealist mule slippers.

Alexander Wang

• The enduring classic moccasin is a bit less serious than usual, decorated with slightly oversized pompoms, metallic dressings and even high heels.

• Seen on the runways of one of the fashion favorites of the moment, Isabel Marant, the fringed boot is on the way to sainthood among the fashionistas.  Warning:  stay away from the cowgirl western models and stick to those with a more urban/folk feel.

Isabel Marant

• This season’s footwear fashion experimentation targeted the heel:  hollwed out at Surface to Air, narrower than the sole at Pollini, rounded at Miu Miu, florescent at Fendi, wide and half-wedged at Alexander Wang, and textured at many others.  Heights from 5 to 14 cm, and kitten heels on the side.

• Slippers are the new ballet flats.  Most commonly found in sheared velour, they are often decorated with offbeath embroideris (skulls at Stubbs & Wootton, mustached cats at Charlotte Olympia), golden heels or animal prints capable of winning over Alexa Chung.  Best worn with a casual/slightly rock look.

• Leopard has invaded boots (Prada), sneakers (Chloé), and brogues among others, without glamour overkill when mixed with colored skins.

• Glitter and other metallic details are in favor on shoes this season.  Great on denim, little black dresses, or over the ankle cargos, preferably in carbon black.

]]> http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2012/01/16/shoes-fall-winter-2011-2012-trends/feed/ 0 http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2012/01/09/suzy-bubble-diy-shoe-ribbons/ http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2012/01/09/suzy-bubble-diy-shoe-ribbons/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:34:30 +0000 admin http://www.shoes-addiction.com/?p=398 Attention DIYers:  your new mission, should you choose to accept it, is to transform your boots, booties, sandals, and all other strappy shoes into new footwear creations à la Suzy Bubble.

Suzy Bubble + ribbon + Dries van Noten sandals

]]> http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2012/01/09/suzy-bubble-diy-shoe-ribbons/feed/ 0 http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2011/06/10/prada-boots-fw-2011-2012/ http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2011/06/10/prada-boots-fw-2011-2012/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:11:24 +0000 admin http://www.shoes-addiction.com/?p=391 Miuccia Prada’s creations, however improbable, often end up conquering the fashion sphere hands down.  She somehow manages to make conceptual desirable and the unusual chic.  Will she succeed again when the fashion editors find themselves faced with her surreal boots from her latest collection… ?

Buoyed by the success of her summer 2011 platform brogues, Miuccia has come up with a particularly visual shoe collection for next winter that will make the current summer collection seem sensible in comparison.

However, while some of the more exquisite models for the FW2011-2012 season might eventually be called « neo-feminine », others risk being regarded more as an experiment in burlesque sex toys than a designer shoe.

A self-respecting avant-garde designer, Miuccia Prada could not resist putting a twist the adorable Mary Jane boots shown at the beginning of the show.  The resulting models, however, even though they might evoke an Elsa Schiaparelli like universe, also bring to mind blow up dolls or leg prosthetics.

Our advice?  Better to stick to the unusual but still desirable python patchwork models.

Click here to view the entire collection : http://www.style.com/accessories/shoes

While warmer weather does mean the debut of the season of the sandal, it isnot necessarily the end of anything that covers more than a K. Jacques Spartan.  In fact, sometimes there is nothing better than a pair of cowboy boots to balance out certain popular summer pieces, e.g. lace baby dolls, liberty print skirts, or pale pink denim combishorts.

This being said, the kind of boot worn during spring/summer should be carefully chosen.  Last winter’s boots might easily prove to be too heavy to be worn with spring looks; the same could be said for boots sporting 14cm/5in heels, which run the risk of taking away from the season’s demand for fresh and natural.

Those wanting to play an urban Calamity Jane would do better to leave their heavy winter boots in the closet and invest in a pair that is lighter in weight, color and design.

With their multiple flattering characteristics – i.e. wide leg, slightly rounded squared toes and low heels – Ralph Lauren’s cowboy boots may have what it takes to win over the season’s wannabe Laura Ingalls. Not to mention the silver braid trim that adds a delicate touch of glitter and you have a boot that is simultaneously country yet contemporary with an edge, safe distance from the True Grit cliché.

Only downfall: the price tag… 850 euros at Net-a-Porter…

YSL? Louboutin?

]]> http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2011/05/24/christian-louboutin-vs-yves-saint-laurent/feed/ 1 http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2011/05/12/nicholas-kirkwood-answers-to-sea-of-shoes/ http://www.shoes-addiction.com/2011/05/12/nicholas-kirkwood-answers-to-sea-of-shoes/#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 12:55:28 +0000 admin http://www.shoes-addiction.com/?p=369 While on a tour of the U.S. visiting the points of sale carrying his shoes, the uncontested master of the glamour shoe, Nicholas Kirkwood, took the time to talk with the Texan Sea of Shoes blogger, Jane Aldrige.

Nicholas Kirkwood SS2011

Over a 2-hour tea at The Crescent, Nicholas Kirkwood confessed to his love of rodeo (he had just been to one the previous evening) and answered questions about his craft.  He explained that he had always been drawn to design and would have easily tried architecture had it not required seven years of schooling.  Furniture design was another possibility, but then his apprenticeship with Phillip Treacy led him to choose accessories design.

He describes his shoes as aerodynamic, and revealed that his mother will only wear his flat-soled designs.  He did add, though, that his parents have always been supportive and were very proud when he was awarded the British Fashion Accessory Award.

Nicholas Kirkwood SS2011

His work has evolved since the beginning when he concentrated more on working with exotic materials.  Now, he explains that he focuses more on customizing the materials he works with, i.e. laser-cutting, screen printing, rather than mixing several materials together in the same design.  When designing, he locks himself in a room and turns up the the volume on some very loud guitar music.  The challenge these days is, he confesses, finding enough time to design during all his travels.

Shoes he would like to never see again?  High-heeled sneakers and Crocs top the list.