The summer sandal is anything but basic for resort ’16. From wrap-typing to motif play, a bold new array of sizzling styles fuse urbane flourishes with urban appeal.
Of course, leg-scaling styles are nothing new, but rather, due for constant reinvention. Case in point: Statement styles for the season harkened back to classic gladiator codes, but with updated innovations.
Nature continues to inspire. Ancient Greek turned a new leaf with foliage laceups, while Daniele Michetti used raffia to add Polynesian flair to his thong version. The ankle-wrap thong has emerged as an elevated take on the beach staple, with Melissa also offering versions in their signature jelly constructions.
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Elsewhere, designers got strap-happy, with knee-high neutrals standing out as a key trend from labels such as Laurence Dacade and Joie. On the other end of the spectrum, there was certainly something to be said for clean two-strap slip-ons, with Rebecca Minkoff and Rosetta Getty showing the easy styles in sophisticated ecru shades, while Ralph Lauren went for a lilac hue.
Braiding techniques were another sandal standout, seen at Brother Vellies with crisscross styles. And Valentino elevated the bohemian look with a fishtail woven version, finished with a silver-and-turquoise anklet.
Other novel details included oversize kilties (spotted at Messeca) and grayscale animal prints — from python to leopard, which cropped up at H Williams and Cole Haan.
Click through to see 14 editor-approved picks.
