Niaomi’s Top 10 picks for Fall & Winter 2011 – 2012.
10. Multi Buckle Boot
Trussed up constraints borrow from Vivienne Westwood’s iconic Pirate boot, as the style evolves to encompass inspiration steeped in culture and tradition. Celebrating a clash of contemporary styles, the youthful disaffection of Goth subcultures are fused with subtle influences of classic Punk, Youthful, directional styles are anchored with chunky straps, shiny silver metals, worn leather finishes, statement heels and a vibrant colour palette. manchester united schedule
Varying widths of buckle are wound around ankles, and up legs creating an extreme aesthetic that is suitable for translation to commercial applications.
9. Extreme Sports Heel
As sport-influences transcend to the everyday, the styles scales the extremes. D-rings, rubber grip soles and sturdy laces borrow from hiking boots, yet a pastiche of luxurious fabrications result in a new aesthetic. Kiltie fronging, metalic finishes and studded rivets anchor a fashionable flait, culminating in the inventive hybrid style that embraces the potential of the Great Outdoors.
A retro, Victorian influence inspires wedge heel skating-style boots, a singular color palette emphasizing considered simplicity of Carvela and Office.
8. Courtier Heels
The insouciant swagger of the buccaneers prevails, as the past inspires the present. The enduring fascination of the Elizabethan era is realised in lace-up details that follow the contour of the heel, and undulating wrought-iron like motifs that create intricate and unexpected shapes.
Decadent satin finishes are completed with delicate black lace and ribbon lacing, nodding to the influence of burlesque, applied across heeled ankle boots or courts, the style effectively transitions from day to night. Trussed-up styles are completed with metalic rivets, the stark constraint in contrast to relaxed suedes.
7. Multi-Material Footwear
A bricolage of fabrications and textures combine to create a decidedly luxe aesthetic, redolent with lady-like undertones. Balenciaga’s shoe of the season set the tone formix-and-match fabrications that see velvet paired with satin, suede with leather; resulting in elegant undertones that echo the assurance and confidence of the gentlewoman.
Considered embellishment placement; including heels, straps and tongues, hint at excess but retain feminine subtleties. Hints of nostalgia emerge in retro-inspired shapes, exaggerating a prim and proper elegance promoted by soft, tonal colour palettes.
6. Exotic Animal Menagerie
The Ubiquitous leopard translates to an exotic menagerie of skins, influencing luxury ostrich and crocodile. Subtle nomadic undertones reference the appeal of venturing into the unknown, a disparate dichotomy of Himalayan exoticism creates a unique identity.
A mix and match sensibility is key – an an eclectic fusion of zebra or leopard and pony hair – especially when applied to unexpected styles, including clog boots and Dr Martens.
5. Lux Fur Trim
Providing the ultimate protection against the harsh winter elements, fur is an obvious choice for the season. Luxurious and tactile long-hair furs adorn ankle boots, wedges and simple courts, imbuing styles with an opulent aesthetic.
Unexpected placements add a quirky, youthful twist play on the conventional yeti, and the resultant styles have an almost comical edge — Yves Saint Laurent and Thakoon exemplify the conceit. Oversized straps, buckles and chunky heels anchor the look, adding an edge of disaffected rebellion, fusing unexpectedly with well-to-do.
4. Ornate Excess
Combating the austere stance of a post recession era, footwear makes a resounding in-your-face statement. Ornate embellishments utilise the potential of everything from peras to sequins, crystals and gems, resulting in an eclectic dressing up box bricolage of decadent styles.
Gilt juxtaposes with intricate embroidery and tapestry-like jacquards, as the world becomes increasingly accessible the fusion of global styles retains a contemporary relevance. Lift color palettes with accents of red, gold and cobalt blue, whilst considered placements avoid notions of over exaggerated excess.
3. Quirky Masculine
Reappropriating brogues from the boys, the relevance of geek chic remains. The classic shape is reinvigorated with excess embellishments that borrow but update convention — include oversized tassels, metallic finishes and kiltie fringing.
The addition of unexpected quirky details, including perforated leather uppers, metallic rivets and watch faces, ensure the focus remains firmly on the feet: as flats seek to compete with heels.
Study shapes are fastened with leather laces, or slip-ons are updates with undulating tongues, the contrast emphasised by paring with a colored sock.
2. Wooden Platform
A Seventies homespun influence informs classic wooden heels and wedes, that nod to the lasting aesthetic appeal of the decade. Polished or untreated wood fininshes nod to subtle rustic sensibilities, paired with pastter or pony skin the style is imbued with a sheen of glamour.
Chelsea boots, in worn or patchworked leathers, are elevated with a chunky stacked heel; similarly brogues are updates with a chunky creeper heel, in the ultimate hybrid style.
1. Shearling Bootie Revision
The prevailing relevance of shearling informs an update of the style, as the classic is reinvigorated for Winter. The style is taken to extremes; paired with patent, oversized fold-down collars or leather appliques.
Classic autumnal shades, including tan and chocolate brown, feature alongside black and oft forest green, echoing the appeal of nature and the great outdoors. The coordination of shearling and uppers, as seen at Vivienne Westwood promotes a youthful, directional take on a seasonal staple.
And that completes the top 10 shoe styles for Fall/Winter 2011-2012. Look out for these styles now and save before the prices begin to rise.
