Runway to Retail: Maison Martin Margiela

I wanted to write about the Maison Martin Margiela* SS2011 RTW show right after the original runway photos came out. Unfortunately, every time I looked at the press photos, a certain television theme song would, inevitably, begin playing in my head – suddenly, all bets were off and I’d have to call it quits for the day.

But,  the shoes have been available since mid-year and I need to get my ranting and reviewing over with already.

First Impressions: Love or Hate?

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Maison Martin Margiela ‘Defile’ open-toe sandal pump $930 $371.99 via Saks & $465 via the Martin Margiela e-boutique

more review details after the break

Spring 2011 Shoe Trends: Statement Wedges

Wedges are a seasonal favorite each spring.  Your typical cork or  rope-espadrille styles bring a casual, effortless, feel to almost any summer outfit.  But, while classic, your basic chunky, neutral-toned, wedges are not really bringing anything new to your outfit. Luckily, we have started to see shoe designers embrace varied wedge widths, swept-forward angles, layering, and more when it comes to adding fantastic and feminine details on their wedge-heeled offerings.  I am loving this.  After all, think of all of the potential artistic  real estate the wedge surface offers; why pass up the opportunity to take advantage of this oft-ignored area of the shoe’s design canvas?

So, while we have already shown you the season’s statement-wedge to beat all  statement wedges, there are still plenty of other fun, flirty, or outright glamorous options available to spice up either your weekend-casual or elegant-evening summer wardrobe (most of which will, incedentally, run you a whole lot less green than the oh-so-over-the-top McQueens at the above link).

These first wedges are these Lanvin Puzzle wedges. The neutral pump, in particular, can easily be dressed up or down for daytime or evening occasions. (Lanvin* puzzle wedges available at Nordstrom.com for $1120 (snake print) to $1280 (black or beige).

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Maison Martin Margiela Wood Print Pumps

Although Maison Martin Margiela is no longer designing for his namesake, it’s nice to see that his spirit lives on with designs that continue to be unconventional.  Take the Maison Martin Margiela’s Patent Wood Print Pump ($950 at LuisViaAroma).  While it’s shape isn’t unique and we’ve see wood done with the Dutch wooden clog,  encompassing the entire shoe with a leather dark wood print in patent makes this shoe an original and gives it a very organic vibe.

Happy Birthday Martin Margiela

Martin Margiela turns 53 today.  Martin  is from Belgum, and studied at the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts.  If there was an Antwerp 7, he would be the 7th.  He is extremely low profile, with very few photos available. 

He worked with Jean Paul Gaultier, then with Hermes, and finally his own label.  His label was acquired by Diesel in 2002. There were some snarky comments that Margiela hadn’t been there for a while.  Then a  press release announced in December, that Margiela “has left the business. No replacement creative director will be appointed. Maison Martin Margiela will continue trading but the company declined to comment on the reasons for Margiela’s exit.”

I find it amazing that larger companies will acquire a label, then proceed to change it.  It has happens time and time again.  Anyways, here are some Martin Margiela shoes for you today.

Paperbag boots $995 at Saks Fifth Avenue   I love these.

Split toe Sandals $580 at Saks Fifth Avenue

I love his shoes.  Except maybe the camel toe boots.

Neutral shoes don’t have to be boring.

We all love neutral shoes. Black, brown, tan, white…after all, these basics pretty much match everything in your closet.

But, do the true neutrals (notice I am not including red here), really need to fade into the background?  Chanel, with their contrasting cap toes and color-blocked shoes obviously doesn’t believe this is the case. They understand that understated colors are made fabulous by their details. And it looks like other shoe designers are getting in on the action with some show-stopping neutral-toned shoes of their own.

So far, these are my favorites so far for 2010; Neutral in color , perhaps, but not in style or attitude:

Maison Martin Margiela two-tone leather sandals $695 at Net-a-porter.com

Tabitha Simmons Bunty suede wedge pumps $1210 at Net-a-porter.com

Max Kibardian Dragonfly T-strap sandals $650 at Saks.com

Jimmy Choo Embellished ankle wrap sandals $1395 at Saks.com

Alexander McQueen cutout leather ankle boots $995 at Saks.com & Net-a-porter.com

Prada Multi-strap pumps $850 at Saks.com

I love each and every pair of these. They all have such individual personality and character – or is that too much meaning to invest into a simple shoe?

Nonetheless, swoon-worthy they remain, so there.

So, how do you feel about neutrals stepping into the role of statement shoe? Because these are so-called neutral shoes that will not allow you to stand in the background acting as a wallflower.