Spring 2011 Runway: Chanel Shoes
posted by: brianka in Boots, Chanel Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Flats, General, Platforms, Sandals, Spring 2011 Shoes, Wedges on October 7th, 2010
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.)
The middle wedged sandal is okay, but not something that makes me gasp out loud or swear off food & toilet paper for a month to maneuver it into my possession. The boots are also okay but are not really showing us anything new. Plus, how many of us can find something to wear with a unique (bouclé?) fabric boot (bottom left)?
And the sandals? I am incredibly *not feeling* these chunky, chopine-quasi-wedge platforms (top & middle row). When it’s done right, chunky heels can be elegant simplicity, youthfully fun, or even sweetly retro-referencing; these bizarre sandals are just sad-making. I tried to find something positive to say about them, but I’m too busy recoiling in horror and falling into a terrified fugue to do so.
Now, on to the clothes. I was simply not impressed compared to my usual reactions to offerings from Chanel. Chanel, to me, has always held a timeless appeal and glamour. This show seems to be grasping for the youthful buyer at the possible risk of losing that sense of elegant timelessness. I understand the desire & need of a fashion house to appeal to and stay relevant with successive generations of buyers. But the Chanel woman is classic, tailored, and elegant. She epitomizes effortless style rather than trendiness. So, the abundance of deconstructed fabrics and strangely ill-fitting styles on this runway took me by surprise.
And, those hot-pants bouclé suits?!! Yee gods…. I say, “No!” While they inject an interesting 1970′s reference on the runway – as a style these are generally so unflattering to non-model women as to be worthy of staying in the trash-heap of fashion history indefinitely rather than being revived by any fashion house, ever. (Even if that black suit does look smokin’ on the runway model.)
Yes, the jackets on the hot-suits are gorgeous, but please, let’s dial back on the cooch-flashing outfits. They’re just silly and unflattering.
Luckily, there were looks here and there that managed that difficult balancing act of feeling current while still being recognizably Chanel. Here are a few that seem to succeed in being wholly Chanel yet also modern in sensibility:
As always, your mileage may vary.
Whoops, looks like I found my words after all.
9 Comments
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February 23, 2012 at 12:05 am, computer mouses said:
The things i keep asking is the reason why I would care? What i’m saying is, not saying that what you have to convey isnt important, but I mean, its so generic. Everyones referring to this man. Give to us some thing, something we can easily fall behind so we can feel as passionately about it as you do.
January 29, 2011 at 12:45 pm, galligator said:
Maria, we do have young readers, so I've approved your comment with a small mask to the explicit language.
January 29, 2011 at 3:11 am, Maria Prestipino said:
I recently went to a chanel store in the city and was very dissappointed in the quality of the leather, very hard on the feet, at the prices that they charge all their shoes should be made of soft quality kid leather not hard leather,very high prices for **** quality shoes.
October 26, 2010 at 6:49 am, Elisangela Santos said:
Recently I bought a CH shoe for $ 757 thinking I was taking a high quality product. I totally cheated! The shoe hurts my foot a lot and what is worse: the store DO NOT ACCEPT RETURNS! Carolina Herrera: disrespect for the consumer!
October 19, 2010 at 8:41 am, fashion said:
i think this kind shoe will be very popular in the feature
October 11, 2010 at 9:04 am, Txshoeguy said:
Going to disagree and say I love these platform shoes. I these are great shoes and sandals for a woman who wants to make a statement and still have a low rise heel. I truly hope the concept will be continued with mainstream shoe lines.
October 08, 2010 at 9:39 am, PARIS FASHION WEEK 2010: CHANEL CÔTE CHAUSSURE | Fashions Maroc said:
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October 07, 2010 at 4:11 pm, Stylista said:
I did not like the shoes in this collection. They were obviously influenced by the clogs from last Spring, but the chunky-ness is just not working for Chanel. The boots, however, are quite nice. I didn't notice, but you're right, Chanel does seem to be going after a younger buyer, but I still think the collection had enough pieces for both young and old (namely the A-line skirts at the end).
October 07, 2010 at 11:55 am, mm1 said:
The clothes just seem so difficult to wear as presented on the runway. So much going on. As separate pieces i can see it.
The shoes are so boyish