As footwear editors, the FN fashion team gives ourselves away at press previews pretty quickly. At the minimum of 10 weekly appointments we have “on the market” (industry-speak for visiting designer showrooms), we’re the ones who are crouched down trying to capture a shoe’s best attributes, making a mess as we rejumble shoes on shelves or examining them from every angle.
Let’s just say there is a fair bit more man-handling involved when it comes to footwear. And we’re always looking for that elusive combo of design innovation or ingenuity meets faultless execution.
"Marco de Vincenzo consistently impresses me with his was with outlandish surface treatments that are still wearable, like these rococo ruffled mules and bowed boots."
As fashion director, I try to always keep my eyes open and go to each of these meeting without preconceived notions that I will love or hate the offering. I also realize that not everyone is wearing designer shoes, but I do firmly believe that we need those luxury shoe designers to boldly experiment and help point the way for the mass brands to follow.
"Marc Jacobs towering platforms are so fantastic just to marvel at. The petit Lady Gaga navigated in them best on the catwalk."
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Thus, we snap every shoe worthy of note and often refer back to them when it comes to upcoming shoots, stories or, very often, recommendations for friends and colleagues who just want a cool new pair for ______ occasion/outfit/mood.
"Toga's runway shoes were so different than their signature western boots. These poison ivy green and kooky studding is not what you expect to see on fisherman sandals!"
Here are some memorable styles from a whirlwind few weeks on our never-ending footwear talent search.
