SS Fashion Week Footwear: Runway Drive-by

OK, friends, I have lots of interesting shoes to share from the NYC runways, so here goes.

We start before the jump with this one from Preen, which I put here, not because I like it or want to wear it or think it would be comfortable, but because it answers the question What would it look like if LEGOs and doilies and bikers had a baby and it took the form of footwear? And since that’s a question I just know you were all asking yourselves, I didn’t want to keep the answer from you one second longer.

And I will give you this one, too, from the Carolina Herrera show, because rarely have I seen a shoe that looks THIS painful to wear.

Now follow along after the cut for many more.

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Runway to Retail: Miu Miu’s Trompe L’oeil Glitter Heels

Miu Miu’s Fall 2010 runway styles have switched away from the narrow-heeled styles that we have been seeing from so many designers in recent seasons.  Miuccia also seems to have done away with the platform entirely (there may be about 1/4 inch at the ball of the foot, which is just enough to make for a nicely-padded foot-bed). Instead of the the expected platforms, she has created a very high, forward-swept, gracefully-chunky* heel silhouette. These shoes have a very solid feel to them and are made of mixed materials for an overall, layered look. Miuccia is playing with contrasts of textures and materials this season.

* And just how often do we find these two adjectives hanging out together?

On the runway, these shoes were the final glam touch to conservatively cut outfits that were also matched with luxe, over-sized clutches. These are shoes for the modern gal who is looking to add some 40′s-era elegance to her fall wardrobe.

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Runway to Retail: Dsquared2 ‘Skate Moss’ Ice Skate Boots

Of all the fashion designers out there, Dean & Dan Caten never seem to lose touch with their sense of playfulness.  Last year they gave us the Dsquared² skeleton-heeled shoes. For their 2011 Fall RTW line, Dsquared² has created ‘Ice Skate’ boots.

Dsquared² ‘Skate Moss’ low-calf lace-up boots, available for pre-order for $1825.

Oh my! What will these darling boys come up with next?

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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

Alejandro Ingelmo’s New Web Site

Earlier this month Alejandro Ingelmo launched a new web site, alejandroingelmo.com.  It is an interesting website.  With vintage photos, a video featuring Mr. Ingelmo talking about the history and vision of his company and the ability to shop online for both men and women collections.

He features two designs in each season that are available only through his site.   For example, his Crosby bootie ($695) in the Fall/Winter line is offered in gold.  (I know this is early, especially with the heat, but wouldn’t these be fun during the Christmas Season?)

Ingelmo shoes are at the $350 to $1100 price point with the Spring/Summer shoes currently on sale to about 40 %.

Let’s look at some shoes. (more…)