It’s time to retire those strappy sandals from spring—boot season has officially arrived. With pre-fall collections typically focusing on heavier footwear styles that cover the foot, designers did not disappoint with their boot assortments this season.
From embossed snakeskins to more experimental embellishments, high-end brands reworked classic boot shapes via new treatments. The emphasis here was on the new—suede ankle booties may have appear normal enough, for example, but had new lucite heels or extra buckling.
Some brands took this idea of newness to the extreme. Christopher Kane offered ankle booties embellished with what looked like neon gaffer tape, while the heels were carved into a dripping paint formation. The end result was crafty indeed.
Other boot flourishes were more subtle. Alessandro Dell’Acqua at N. 21 added leather bows onto his boots, which were offered in different heights. Monique Lhuillier added lucite heels onto her leather boots, done as a wedge or block heel.
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Above-the-knee silhouettes prevailed this season as well. Daniel Lawler at Oscar de la Renta offered the style in a tweed fabric, which elegantly matched the ready-to-wear. Valentino’s stitched suede boot kept in line with the collection’s 1970s influence.
Alessandro Michele continued Gucci’s reinvention. Below-the-knee boots were done in rich emerald leathers, a result that was equal parts kitschy and luxe.
For more pre-fall boots, click through the gallery.
To read more of FN’s pre-fall coverage, read on below:
Altuzarra Pre-Fall 2016 Shoe Collection
Red Valentino Pre-Fall 2016 Shoe Collection
Coach Pre-Fall 2016 Shoe Collection
