Before we dive into London fashion week, I thought it might be fun to have a look at some of the more interesting shoes seen on NY Fashion Week Spring 2009. And since the Emmys is this weekend, I thought it might be fun to dish out some shoe awards while I was at it.

Quite possibly, this is the Most Accessoried Accessory seen on the runways. Following in the footsteps of shoe designers Blahnik and Louboutin (remember these fierce shoes?) who have produced shoes for Rodarte, Nicholas Kirkwood designed these very decked out shoes. They are so ostentatious, can you imagine the stares you’d get if you wore these on a night out with the gals? I can also imagine them appearing in a rap video shortly.

Apparently, though, Nicholas Kirkwood’s heels for Rodarte aren’t very walkable. They have have gained notoriety for receiving the Most Likely to Fall in these Shoes, because well, it actually happened (near minute 7:00). The model, Abbey Lee, seems to have escaped injury this time.

Most Ill-Fitting shoes goes to Matthew Willliamson. The pinky toe and the right middle toe are just clinging on to the platform for dear life.

Finally, my Favorite Shoe from NY were by Marc Jacobs. Normally, I am not a fan of ankle straps, but these are too delicious and I want them in all the prints - weave, red glitter, silver, leather, etc. I’m a fan of the dainty teardrop-ish heel (hopefully they are easy to walk in though) and the tongue-like curvature at the heel.

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Calvin Klein’s Spring 2009 show at Fashion Week presented a chunky ’Block Heel’ style in the most literal sense possible. It is pleasing from some angles and visually jarring from others. This look is almost more successful as an artistic reference to the Cubist movement than as an actual functional wardrobe object.

These are slipper-like foot-cradles that are then placed, somewhat incongruously, atop very solid rectangular blocks.  I am having real difficulty seeing these as a unified and harmonious whole.  The transition from the more fluidly-shaped upper to the heel feels somewhat random in its placement; almost as if a child was playing with blocks to achieve this effect.  I find the look to be bold and intriguing; yet, on the whole, slightly unbalanced in execution.

At the very least, this is a decidedly artistic endeavor deserving of our attention. I can certainly see women having a visceral love or hate reaction to this silhouette.

Would you wear them? Or perhaps smile at them on a museum display?

[Photos Courtesy of Elle.com]

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So, there I am, looking at various online thumbnails of Fashion Week’s Spring 2009 collections.  I am primarily looking for interesting color and style trends as well as any interesting or new silhouettes that might appeal to you, our readers.

Well, then, how surprising is it that this itty bitty little photo catches my attention?

Could this be some form of demi-wedge?

No, not so much.

Up close and personal, here is the instant replay:

OUCH!

Yes, boys and girls, that is a Heel gone Horribly Wrong.  I have read every review I can find for this particular show yet I have found no mention of Catwalk Catastrophe. I have to say that whichever unlucky model got this flawed footwear deserves a bonus for fancy footwork.

Now, if you were interested in what this looks like in more pristine condition, here is a much better specimen for your attentions.

I’ll admit to feeling justifiably leary  in regards to the stability of this painted cork heel; I would certainly recommend a quality control review on this design. However, I am rather fond of the powder grey color.  It’s actually a lovely neutral that works all-year-round and need not be limited to Spring 2009 (or any other particular year or season).

In this same neutral color scheme are a couple of other styles that I found much more attractive than the ill-fated caged-sandal above. 

This lace-up maryjane is a sweet Spring style; on-trend, though not exactly breaking new ground. 

I admit that I am still trying to work out my feelings toward the following corset-laced ankle boot.  Kudos are given for attempting a convertable boot style; I’m actually finding myself really attracted to the look of the folded-over cuffed sandal version. At the same time, I’m really not fond of the fully-laced, scrunched, ankle-boot version of this same style.  I am not convinced that both looks are truly successful.

[Photos courtesy of Elle.com, Style.com & Vogue UK]

Of course, as is true with all Fashion, this may be as much a matter of individual taste as anything else. What do you think?

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A fan writes:

What shoes are Jennifer Lopez wearing to the Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2009 show (left)? It seems like they are from the same designer as the platform ankle boots worn to the Marc Jacobs fashion show (right). I love the blue soles on both these shoes!

Answer: You have a good eye! The turquoise soled shoes are by Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) . Both the ankle boots and the Tribute Two platform pumps are from the Fall 2008 collection (they appeared on the fall 2008 ready to wear runway in a yellow lining though). The shoes feature a whooping 5.5 inch heel and a 1.5 inch hidden platform. Our new ‘it’ shoe lust can be purchased directly from YSL boutiques.

If you like the style and don’t need to have the blue sole, the YSL Tribute Two platform pumps are available in a dark green sole at Saks for $795. My prediction is that this will sell out fast.

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I am biased. I love Betsey Johnson shoes to a degree than might be a tad overenthusiastic even among gals who are half of my age. But, rather than apologize, I revel in that exuberance. Age appropriate?  Act my age? No, thank you.

Today’s New York presentation of the Spring 2009 line simply hit all the right notes for me.  It also happens to be serious eye-candy for anyone out there who is even remotely involved in the Retro Fashion, Swing Music, Gothic Lolita, or Romantigoth scenes; heck, for any gal with a hardcore girly streak.

These clothes are all Romance and Frills.  There are heavy doses of Victorian and Edwardian influences as well as 1950’s-60’s floral chintz; and that’s just at a glance.  All these sweet ruffles and layers add up to one sassy and pouty whole.

Quoting from Laird Borrelli-Persson’s review over at Style.com: “Johnson herself, who took her traditional runway cartwheel dressed as Peter Pan, conceded that some of the show clothes were “over-the-top.” (They will, of course, be adapted for retail.) That said, she really is focusing on broadening her label’s appeal.”

I certainly hope these don’t get too adapted for retail. I can’t help thinking that these are already pretty much perfect as is.  Who doesn’t need a set of lacy knickers in her closet?

And all of this is combined with strappy platforms, flats with ankle socks and naughty knee-highs. 

The word ‘Yummy’ comes to mind.

Fabulous fashions also deserve amazing footwear; but perhaps not too amazing. I can’t help feeling that these fanciful shoes (adorned with bows, polka dots, and fob details) would really work better as the focal point of an outfit. Don’t get me wrong; I love the whole over-the-top vibe of this show. But, for me, I love it when the first thing folks notice when I am out and about is a pair of fabulous shoes.  

[Photos courtesy of New York Magazine / nymag.com]

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