Shoe blog

Hardware Trend Part 1: Zippers

This look is being referred to loosely in fashion magazines as the ‘Hardware Trend’; it’s main indicator is an obvious and sometimes excessive use of metallic visual embellishments such as Buckles, Studs, Grommets, or in this case, Zippers.  When it is used in Fall boots, it has also been referred to as ‘Biker Chic’ or ‘Moto Style’. The common thread to these looks is that the hardware is up-front. While the zippers or buckles may occasionally be functional, in most cases the primary use of these items is decorative in nature.  This type of Metallic adornment is not at all unusual on Motorcycle Boots, as well as at retailers such as Hot Topic who specialize in the Alternative Rock, Punk, Industrial or Goth musical scenes. 

Interestingly enough, I first encountered zippers as trim on the following very exuberant shoes: The Marc by Marc Jacobs Zipped and Studded Pump  in blue denim or black calfskin ($197.80 6pm.com; also available in a slingback Flat for $163.30)) and the Metallic Naughty Monkey ‘Gudahame’ ($40.25 6pm.com). These are rather aggressive shoes that have quite a lot going on.

However, the current popularity of the trend can likely be laid at the feet of Christian Louboutin’s Caracolo (previously blogged about here) out around Christmastime last year. Recently available at Bluefly ($616 in Red, Black, and Dusty Pink),the Caracolo has not lost it’s delightful edge; it was also striking enough that Steve Madden apparently created a very faithful (Sans Red Sole) replica that sold out in very little time indeed). 

Similar in spirit to the above Louboutin, I also love this cute Punk/Industrial-styled  ’Zipper Point Flat’ by well-know alternative shoe brand T.U.K. Shoes (Zappos.com $45).It has that same look of the zipper ‘swallowing’ the foot as the Caracolo that I find really appealing and fun while retaining a practical and walkable cut for everyday use.

Back to Christian Louboutin, the ’Rhodita’ summer sandal ($835 at net-a-porter.com and Niemanmarcus.com) continues with the zipper taking front stage as an integral and eye-catching detail.

Similar but not identical to the Rhodita is the slightly more budget-conscious LAMB ‘Shauna’ in Black or Gunmetal ($279.95 Endless.com /269.99 Heels.com / Shopbop.com);This is a chunkier YSL-esque platform for the girl who really loves that extra oomph! a few added inches can give her.

Yet another similar sandal, Carlos by Carlos Santana’s ‘Cougar’ in Silver, Bronze, or Black (Endless.com $98.95 / Zappos.com $100); this one also has zippered straps and its price range is much more in line for all the bargain fashionistas out there.

Coming back to LAMB, we have two styles that play up zippers on the vamp area.  First, the ‘Selene’ pump with zip-trimmed tuxedo-shirt flaps in Black or Gunmetal ($239.00 Endless.com /$252.95 Zappos.com /$299.99 Heels.com). Second, the slingback ‘Sidney’ with Zipper Rosette on the vamp ($319 Zappos.com / $315 Shoes.com / $239.90 Endless.com/ $220.50 on sale at Shopbop.com). Both of these styles are riding the zipper trend to keep Gwen’s L.A.M.B. brand fun and funky.

Are these early adopters all we can expect from the Zipper trend? Most assuredly not. A quick search as I am writing this has come up with dozens of late contenders for moving into Fall. Among these styles:

Betsey Johnson’s ‘Tayla’ in Black, Grey or Camel ($235 Zappos.com / $234.99 Heels.com / $234.95 Endless.com / Sale priced $119.99 at Smartbargains.com). As this is Betsey Johnson; it should come as little surprise that the zipper pull is in the shape of a lightning bolt. If there is an opportunity for Glam, Betsey usually takes it.

For a bit of playful appeal, Not Rated’s ‘Sidestep’ in Pink, Green, Yellow, Charcoal, or Black, ($39.95 Endless.com / $49.00 Zappos.com) gives a colorful kick.

Sergio Rossie ‘Patent Leather Platform Sandal’ ($850 Nordstrom’s Pre-order). This is a fairly conservative interpretation on the zipper theme.

BCBGirls ‘Lotun’ in Croc-embossed Red or Black Calfskin ($109.95 Nordstrom.com); another conservative interpretation.

Taryn Rose’s ‘Bridger’ Ballet Flat with Zipper Rose detail ($495 Neimanmarcus.com). I sure hope that’s one cozy Flat.

And yes, Helle Comfort has made a Zipped and Studded Clog ($174 Zappos.com). Oh My!

Other Honorable Mentions go to the following:

Sergio Rossi ‘Farisa‘ Zip-toe Pump $373 clearance.
Chinese Laundry ‘Betsey‘ Zipper Platform in Denim or Black $79.95
Chinese Laundry ‘Arcane‘ Zipper Pump $89.95.
Harley Davidson ‘Fortune‘  High Heel Sandal $64.00.
Fly London ‘Mall‘ Peep-toe Heel $96.23.
Fly London ‘Mex‘ Peep-toe Heel $82.49.
Not Rated ‘Zip It’ Flat $44.95.
Michael Kors ‘Berkeley‘ Flat $99.00.