Call it indulgence or necessity, from triple-strap heels to bejewelled stilettos, Priyanka Joshi takes you through the season’s best
Triple buckles, square toes, crocodile skin and bohemian fringes are just a few elements you may not have predicted coming back into fashion anytime soon, and yet here they are. No, we are not talking clothes, but shoes that should find place in your wardrobe this winter.
What was fashionable yesterday about shoes is still relevant, only greatly exaggerated. So, zips have been doubled, studs trebled and heels lengthened. Further to these accents, the season’s fashion sports spectacular designs with chains, spikes and statuesque heels. But that does not mean strange forms, motley palettes or huge elements.
Take, for instance, Diesel’s winter collection that ranges between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000. The brand’s fringed boots define the winter look. The height is limited to ankle, with details like tooled leather adding to the bohemian feel. These short-fringed ankle-boots in leather or suede go perfectly with short dresses or tights. The over-the-knee boot is a rage in Hollywood and all the shoe blogs are talking about them. However, designer Anita Dongre feels it’s something the average Indian woman is not going to opt for, especially given the hefty price tag attached to it. Dongre says, “I think low- rise ankle boots will establish a firm foothold in most women’s closets.”
For those looking for sophistication with a twist, you perhaps need to look at Christian Dior’s Slingback. On the whole, the design might be passed off as classy but the heels are just weird. They do look lavish and luxurious, even with the price tag of Rs 20,000 (approximately), but we just didn’t get the heels at all.
Put simply, stilettos are back. Not that they ever went anywhere — but they are once again dominating the runways and rightfully your collection too. Jimmy Choo shoes, which were ‘immortalised’ in the telly serial Sex and the City, are not to be missed this season. There’s no excuse to be boring with your shoes when it comes to colour, or so believe the designers at Jimmy Choo. This season, there’s barely a plain shoe in sight, with two-toned or multiple colour taking over the collection. Explaining the theme, Tamara Mellon, founder and president, Jimmy Choo, says, “Our autumn-winter line injects the raw individuality of rock starlet and siren, with graphic styling and clashing colours gesturing a modern, bold Jimmy Choo identity.” The brand, she adds, has always had a strong connection to India: “Not only has it inspired parts of our collections with an emphasis on jewels and craftsmanship, but we have witnessed longstanding and loyal support from our Indian customers globally.” With prices starting Rs 23,0and onwards, go have a look at these pairs and grab the one that looks best.
With stilettos making a flashy comeback, pointed toes can’t be far behind. Take your pick from Roberto Cavalli, Ralph Lauren, Prada and several others showcasing their winter collections. Young fashion designer Nishka Lulla feels that a single pair of animal print shoes, punk rock-inspired shows which use leopard prints, neons and studs can give a monochromatic winter fashion ensemble a bold and stylish flavour. And don’t go expecting a quick bargain, for prices start at Rs 20,000 and can go as high as Rs 45,000 for a razor sharp pointed toe pair. But then being a fashionista has never been easy on the pocket. The pointed tips of 2009 winter shoes don’t promise to be subtle and neither are they particularly comfortable. But, hey, anything for the sake of fashion!
Although winters are yet to set in, sales have started heating up, says Sanjay Kapoor, MD, Genesis Luxury. “We have had a great beginning to the season with the latest autumn-winter line from
Jimmy Choo which is in stores now. Sales have been good at both the Delhi and Mumbai boutiques,” he claims.
Another tasteful addition to your winter closet should be Gucci’s to-die-for triple-strap heels that are a rage in international markets. With so many celebrities slipping them on, the wide collection of Gucci shoes is sure to make any shoe aficionado drool. Gucci has created designs to suit every need from sports shoes, classic pumps and peep toes to knee-high leather boots. Priced at Rs 19,000 onwards, they are worth every penny you invest. Designers like Dongre and Neeta Lulla are optimistic about strapped boots (both ankle length and over-the-knee), which are comfortable and very hip for the season.
It’s time for shoe addicts, readying to revamp their winter shoe closet, to bring home the leather.
