Sneakers are to surf types what combat boots are to the punk scene — an essential expression of the attitude that defines the sub-culture. For a collection titled “Surf Sound” and billed as “a tribute to contemporary Californian surf-music culture,” Hedi Slimane paired each and every menswear look with beaten-up white lace-up kicks. The artfully scuffed footwear featured multicolored and metallic laces and was worn with black socks.
Set to a soundtrack by neo-surf-pop group Swimmers, Slimane’s chosen beach boys took to the palm-tree and sunset-printed runway in retro trainers with de rigeur black slim-as-can-be unhemmed jeans. These constants were paired with a spirited variety of tapestry and acid-wash jackets, Kurt Cobain thrift store-style cardigans and matching white round sunglasses.
The show marked a departure from the Beatle boot brigade that has characterized Saint Laurent since Slimane took the creative reins at the label. But with such overtly feminine touches as sequins and draped scarves, plus silky pastels and floral prints, riding the sneaker wave ensured the collection still had a more boyish, sporty riff.
Watch on FN
Click through for a closer look at the high-tops and low-tops that completed Saint Laurent’s lineup.
