Spring 2011 Runway: Marc Jacob for Louis Vuitton

The Louis Vuitton SS2011 runway was a collage of Chinoiserie and African references – lots of beading, lush brocades, dimensional fur and fringe effects, all in vibrant color mixes.  And the shoes? Well, as usual, Marc Jacobs keeps things surprising and original.  But, while that helps to keep us from getting bored, it also often leaves me taking days or even weeks to decide if I like the shoes he is presenting in any given season.

On a positive note, the SS2011 Louis Vuitton shoes do not have me drawing back in horror as I did for the fuzzy-tasseled shoes Marc Jacobs created for last spring’s SS2010 LV collection.

These giraffe-heeled shoes were presented in a plethora of color combinations as well as a lower demi-wedge silhouette that  reminded me of these Casedei heels from a few seasons back.

And, if the giraffe-leg stiletto isn’t working for you, there were also chunkier tiger (zebra?)-striped heels as well as these fringe-beaded heels on view as well.  I’m not sure if I could find an occasion to wear them. But they certainly are exuberant and youthful.

Are these practical for most wardrobes? Perhaps not. But, they certainly are artful.

What do you think?

Photos via Vogue.com

Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2011 Shoes

For the longest time Rick Owens seemed to design for himself and not care whether he sold his pieces or not.  That seems to have changed.  His followers are almost cult-like.  Yes, he still gave us the odd looking shoe, but they are not as odd as they used to be.   He seems to be moving towards a more controlled style which makes is more attractive to more consumers.

Let’s look at his shoes.

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Spring 2011 Runway: Chanel Shoes

I’ve been trying to find a way to comment diplomatically about the shoes and  fashions at the SS2011 Chanel show but  find that words fail me. I am trying very hard to politely express my disappointment in both the shoes and fashion that were shown.

First, the shoes:

(Article photos via Style.com; collages are arranged by Shoeblog.)

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Bottega Veneta Fall 2010 Wedge Ankle Boots

Looking at these wedges from Bottega Veneta, I feel like they are taking a page from the types of styles normally seen coming from Marc Jacobs or John Fluevog*.  These could easily have looked awkward and unbalanced, but the smoothed-out edges and swept-forward angles allow these to be that rare, successful, blend of a chunky and solid heel – while still being wholly feminine overall.  While nobody is likely to describe these as ‘delicate’,  they do quite nicely manage to be both elegant and modern.

Bottega Veneta suede wedge ankle boots $870 via Saks.com

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Alternatives to Sky High Shoes

I was goofing around online the other day and saw a photo of a young celebrity nearly trip while wearing platform pumps.  She didn’t end up on her kiester, but it was close.  I was reminded of an event that happened several years ago, but have never forgotten it.  I didn’t tell anyone, not even Mr. R5, because it was so embarrassing.

I was in a pair of 4.5 inch platforms. The weather had turned windy and rainy and I struggled to open a door that was being blown shut by the wind.  I rushed into the building, and the door slammed behind me, throwing me off balance.  My wet stilettos hit the marble floor, I skittered across that lobby, going through all sorts of contortions, goofed my knee and broke one of the d#mn heels off.  BUT I didn’t fall.  It was quite an acomplishment, but there is no way it can be done with aplomb. 

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