Call them foot-framers. For resort ’16, cutout treatments were a clear-cut trend. A number of designers showed graphic shoes that put artful leatherwork and impressive technical feats on display.
With the idea of beautifully framing the foot in mind, Footwear News spotlights 11 of the most creative takes on reveal-and-conceal heels.
Bionda Castana explored an abstract paisley pattern, cut out in suede, for lace-up lavender suede Hazel mules — a winning balance between sweet and scintillating that has become the London label’s M.O.
Sergio Rossi ‘s Farrah traded in the sweet for straight up, seasonless globetrotter glamour. Designer Angelo Ruggeri crafted a gladiator stiletto, swapping traditional strapping for irregular ovals, some in gold hardware. Christian Louboutin took an equally amplified approach, tricking out petal-punctuated peep-toe pumps with signature metal studding.
Meanwhile, Paul Andrew told FN that as soon as the announcement was made that this year’s MET Ball would be devoted to Chinese fashion, he set to work re-watching the film In The Mood For Love. One of the resulting designs was the Dalai wedge sandals in Shanghai red, with perforations evoking 18th century-style wooden screen dividers.
Watch on FN
The name of Jimmy Choo‘s Tickle sandal says it all. Woven openwork leather lacing allows for maximum exposure. Oscar de la Renta‘s Daniel Lawler took a mixed-media approach for open-toe booties, combining cork with suede floral patchwork in a rich palette of teal, violet and magenta.
Chloe Gosselin chose to show just a flash of the outside of the foot — her Amaryllis ankle-strap pump featured asymmetrical strapping. Sometimes less is more.
Click through to see the rest of these gallery-worthy high-heeled works.
