Miss Meghan Trend Report
SKY-HIGH PLATFORM STILETTOS
It started with Louboutin and his five inches for Gwen Stefani, then the YSL Tribute, now London girls are rocking the six inches and higher platform stilettos from clubs to the grocery store.
New York’s fashion week saw everyone competing for who could run up the Bryant Park steps the fastest in theirs, and while the toebox-heavy platforms are more than reminiscent of stripper shoes, they’ve been fully embraced by everyone from Victoria Beckham to Gwyneth Paltrow — with no signs of abating.
HIGHER AND HIGHER
Did I mention vertiginous height in shoes? Oh yes, I did, but you need to hear it again.
Ladies, if you don’t have at least one in your wardrobe, I want you to at least try one on this week. Even if you only end up wearing them from the living room to the bedroom, at least feel it for just a moment. The time is now more than ever, for women to feel some Stiletto attitude.
*Tip: know your stiletto limits – time how long you can stand in your uber-high platforms and wear them for the most important part of your event. (And slide a pair of bright colored or metallic ballet flats in your bag to switch out when the height becomes a little too much.)
MOTORCYCLE GIRL GONE WILD
The clunkier and chunkier, the better. Buckles, chains, spikes, grommets – polished hardware of every kind is adorning shoes right now – paired with every kind of tights – from ripped and distressed punk rock legwear to lacy fishnets and ruched metallic leggings like these from Abi Ferrin.
HOSE IS BACK
In a big, big way. Nude nylons: think old-school 1940’s stockings in sheer nude or black with pencil skirts, fitted jackets and red lips. Ripped black drugstore nylons under shorts and mini’s a la Madonna circa 1985. Thick lace-y leggings under an empire waist dress.
*For an extra, extra special treat rock the Emilio Cavallini ankle-cutout tights or full bodysuit exclusively at Diana Broussard. (Ask for Sonia when you call, she can direct you.)
Flash forward for Spring
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ANKLE
Check out my video at end of the Jill Stuart show. Models came down the runway in ankle-ruched gorgeous ethereal chiffon legwarmers in pale blue and nude paired with the strappy cone heel sandals and ankle-tie stilettos. Am living for this unique way to add detail this Spring.
GO WEST
LA is growing fabulous shoe designers like weeds. Jerome C. Rousseau’s first collection having been wholeheartedly embraced by boutiques from Harvey Nichols Dubai to Fred Segal Feet, Omelle’s debut at WSA in July embraced subtle sculptural details, Callen Cordero’s enviro-friendly, vegetable tanned leathers and tie-dyes, and the always amazing George Esquiviel who continues to define luxury for men.
*Special trend tip: while George creates men’s shoes, he will make a custom pair of wingtips for us gals. Try black and white spectators to get a jump on another Spring trend.
RETAILER ROUNDUP: GET YOUR NETWORKER ON
Jessica Simpson with Vince Camuto, Fergie with Brown Shoe, Heidi Klum with Modern Vintage, Paris Hilton with Antebi Footwear. Smart brands are not only partnering with celebrities to gain visibility and breathe excitement into their labels, but hiring professional social networkers and experts to further expand the brand’s reach.
According to the EdelmanPR Trust Barometer Report, “a person like me” is considered the most credible source of information about a company. See Weight Watchers who hired vlogger Starlite girl aka Esther Brady as a brand ambassador to create video about her experience. and Right Fit who hired Kathryn Finney as a brand ambassador and quickly put themselves on the blogosphere map – driving not only press mentions but direct sales. The savviest footwear retailers, online and off, will utilize experts and influencers who have on and offline properties, in combination with their celebrity partnerships, and will reap the rewards in a challenging retail marketplace.
THE THOM BROWN EFFECT
Thom Brown’s ubiquitous rise hasn’t just given way to more tailored trousers for men, but an opening of an authentic, new school preppy. The rise of the prepster sneaker as an everyday shoe for men is a trend that will continue very strongly into Spring 2009.
*Brands to watch:Tretorn (a fave of mine I have been championing since 2005), Converse, Colchester Basketball shoe, Suprega, Stan Smith, Rockport boat shoe in poppy red or navy/white
*Style Tip: Clean white canvas or twill sneakers make an excellent and lightweight alternative to the dreaded mandal or flip flops. Keep them clean with a toothbrush and Oxi-clean.
