Summer sandals even bigger kick than gladiators

Lifestyles

Discussion

May 17, 2009

By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL The News and Tribune Sun May 17, 2009, 07:28 AM EDT

NEW YORK — Gladiators were tough, but towering, leather-covered, often-studded sandals are an even bigger kick in the aggressive-shoe trend.

The two must-have styles are clearly cousins, but there’s been an evolution, thanks in part to chunky platforms, woven textures and more sex appeal.

The “it” bag has been replaced by the “it” shoe, says Nicole Fischelis, the group vice president of ready-to-wear fashion for Macy’s. “The aggressive shoe is not a new phenomenon. It’s been on the runway for a few seasons, but it’s more apparent because of the rocker-chick kind of mood that’s coming back into fashion.”

But skinny jeans and a leather jacket aren’t the only way to wear it. These shoes have an “opposite attraction” with delicate, feminine dresses, too.

“Fusion” is a buzz word in fashion right now, Fischelis says.

“I do think that a soft look can be complemented with a strong accessory; it is all about the balance and confidence in how it is worn,” adds Fred Allard, creative director at Nine West. “I think that the platform and studded gladiator sandals from this season can be considered aggressive as well as feminine, depending on the woman who is wearing them.”

“Ethereal summer looks need an anchor that’s a little edgy,” agrees stylist Tara Swennen, who counts Miley Cyrus as a client.

Tastemakers say aggressive shoes go from daytime to evening, casual to dressy, sexy to serious. This flexibility gives them legs as a long-term trend. Macy’s and Nine West report swift sales.

You know an aggressive shoe when you see it, but it’s hard to describe. Fischelis says the true hallmark is attitude. Swennen touts funkiness. Lisa Gosselin, vice president and general manager of online shoe store Piperlime, calls the new look a stepped-up gladiator.

There’s often a high heel involved, but some kitten heels and even some flats capture the cool-girl spirit. Generally, there’s a lot of leather up front but sharp cutouts or straps allow flashes of bare skin. Embellishment ranges from Indian beading to punk-rock hardware.

“Everything is gravitating toward an architectural design,” Swennen says. “They’re harder on the feet, but the designs are amazing with extravagant details and interesting materials.”

Swennen says wearers can save their soles with shock-absorbing cushions and a snug-but-not-tight fit.

Women can participate in this look by diving in with both feet or just dipping a toe, Gosselin says. She identifies Matt Bernson’s Barracuda shoe, with its medium-brown leather, double ankle straps, flat heel and pyramid-shaped gold studs as a very accessible, wearable translation of the trend. A peeptoe is a more refined, ladylike version.

“Earth tones are a less edgy place. A cognac color is for beginners, and full-on black with silver or chrome studs with a high heel is the most edgy and you can take it down from there,” Gosselin says.

The dramatic, femme-fatale shoe perfectly offsets some of the menswear-inspired fashion coming down the pike later in the year, she says. “As we look toward fall, you’ll see in fashion a lot of androgyny with the boyfriend jacket, and boyfriend jeans with a ruffled blouse — and killer shoes.”

For the warmer weather, Swennen likes aqua, yellow or silver shoes worn with black, or darker hues paired with crisp white or sandy beige clothes.

The silhouette works with knee-length skirts, Bermuda shorts and both wide- and skinny-leg pants, according to Swennen, but stay away from short shorts or maxi dresses — the proportions just aren’t right.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Lifestyles

Vietnam veteran receives medals 46 years after active duty ends
May 25, 2012 2 Photos
More travelers to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend
May 25, 2012
Why do young white women risk cancer to be tan?
A CDC report out this month found that nearly one in three white women aged 18 to 25 had used a tanning booth in the previous year. White women aged 18 to 21 went the most often, averaging 27.6 sessions per year—that’s over two sessions per month—while nearly 70 percent said they had gone at least 10 times in the last year.

May 24, 2012 1 Photo
Movie preview: "Men In Black 3”
Plot: After 15 years of working with aliens from all across the cosmos, Agent J (Will Smith) is sure he's seen it all. But just when he's getting the hang of the game, he learns that history has inexplicably been rewritten.

May 24, 2012 1 Photo
Movie preview: "Chernobyl Diaries”
Plot: An extreme vacation turns terrifying when a group of friends visit the Chernobyl disaster site, then find themselves stranded in the abandoned city only to discover that they are not alone.

May 24, 2012 1 Photo
A special honor: Georgetown teacher honored for work with special needs students
May 22, 2012 3 Photos
VIDEO: 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse
The solar eclipse that took place Sunday evening was an annular eclipse, one in which the moon blocks almost all of the sun. Some of the best viewing was in Asia, as with this video filmed in Japan.

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
Jerry Finn wins distinguished alumni award
Finn’s service on several boards has helped high school students start philanthropic organizations. He said teaching youth the importance of giving back is not only good for the communities, but also for the children.

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
Rebuild Marysville event raises money for town hit by tornado
Kirsty Travelstead of Marysville explained that as of Saturday morning, more than 300 T-shirts had been sold. For the event they had hopes of raising at least $5,000 from the T-shirts, food sales and the grill raffle.

May 21, 2012 2 Photos
Down & dirty
May 21, 2012 4 Photos
More Lifestyles Headlines

Lifestyles

Search Results

Discussion

Summer sandals even bigger kick than gladiators

Site Map

Contact Us