Spring and summer always heralds the onset of some interesting new shoe trends, and this season is no exception. From new styling in the form of "flatforms" and wedges with scarves instead of straps to reworked Jesus sandals and the ever-popular ballet flat.
Scarf-tie Wedges
Wedges continue to be part of spring 2011collections but watch out for a new hybrid of summer sandal which is a platform wedge with a difference. Dubbed super wedges these shoes have ultra high wedge heels and platforms but to compensate have scarf-like pieces which tie at the ankles, keeping feet firmly secure. High they may be, but actually wedge heels are surprisingly comfortable. Find them in all manner of prints and super bright colors,inspired by Sonia Rykiel, Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Jonathan Saunders – this is one piece of footwear that makes a statement in Spring 2011.
Wooden Clogs
Wooden sole, studded clogs continue to make a style impact, although many have been reworked to almost unrecognizable proportions. If the word clog conjures up windmills and tulips, then fear not, as these take only minimal inspiration from the Dutch variety and more from the Swedish. With linen and leather uppers and platforms and high heels to boot. To be truly on-trend a clog must have a heel, so avoid flat ones like the plague. Chanel and Louis Vuitton have both showcased their versions of the clog in their spring 2011 collections, which again, have taken inspiration from the 70s. Alternatively there are clog-style sandals, which at least have a strap to hold you in.
The Kitten Heel
Whether it’s the fact that these offer a much more comfortable alternative to stilettos, or just they you want to be on-trend, the kitten heel (or mini stiletto) still gives a little lift to an outfit (although fails to flatter the figure in the same way as its big sister, the high heel). Standing tall on all of its 2 inches or less, the kitten heel revival brings back the pointed toe, which at least does lengthen the foot and is a perfect pairing with a flare or full swing skirt. The style generally has the heel curving inwards, giving more stability. Go for a design with a pointed toe and keep shoes minimalist – don’t overdo the details. Neutral colors work best.
Ballet Flats and Summer Sandals
One of the best things about spring and summer collections is that they always feature pretty ballet flats and bejweled sandals. This year perhaps, is even more prevalent as the flat sandal is the must-have on-trend accessory to a maxi dress and the ballet flat takes its rightful place as part of spring 2011's ballerina trend.
This is also the time when Chanel’s iconic fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld has championed the ballet flat as the ultimate in chic footwear. At his Paris haute couture show in January 2011 every model wore ballerina flats with transparent ankle straps, “I was sick of all those Eiffel Towers, sick of all those violent colors,” he told the Daily Mail. This was nothing less than genius as it allowed models to glide effortlessly down the runways without tottering precariously on towering heels and having to watching every step.
Interestingly, the UK fashion chain Peacocks has seen sales for flat shoes rise by 70% since the beginning of January 2011. This means that flats now outsell other styles by 3 to 1. Retailers such as Marks and Spencer and Topshop have also seen sales of flat shoes rise.
Another style of flat sandal that has had a modern makeover is the Jesus Sandal. This traditional two strap sandal finds itself in the spotlight in luxury versions, as seen on the runways of Chloé and Stella McCartney.
Flatform Heels
These are the new kid on the block in terms of footwear shapes and designers are loving them. Dubbed “flatforms” they are exactly what they appear, a ballet flat elevated on a high platform heel, held on by an ankle strap. They are reminiscent of summer espadrilles only higher.
These very brick-like shoes give you the height without the pain of walking in high heels. They make look ungainly but designers such as Chanel, Prada, Derek Lam, Vivienne Westwood, 3.1 Philip Lim, Michael Kors and Chloé have all featured flatform shoes in their Spring 2011 collections.
According to Marianne Power of the Daily Mail, flatforms have been dubbed THE shoe for 2011. Personally, I think I’ll stick to wedges!
Sources:
Jones, Liz. "At last! After years of torturing ourselves in cartoon heels, flats are back." Daily Mail, January 31st, 2011.
Power, Marianne. "Would you wear 5inch flatform heels? Designers hail bizarre new shoe trend 'shoe for 2011'." Daily Mail, January 31st, 2011
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
