Shoe Fashion Spring/Summer 2010

The fashion for the first spring of the new decade is a perfect reflection of the season: delicate blossom shades, light and soft materials combined with natural unpretentious looks - a play of flowing fabrics, casual shapes and accessories. Over the years the latter have become increasingly more important to express a highly personal and individual style; a highly fashionable incenation wrapped in naturalness. And the summer of the next fashion season will also not fail to enthuse all those who prefer nonchalant high fashion to eccentric and over-the-top chic, whereby in particular shoes will once again be the absolute limelight stealers.

Watercolours
Creamy shades, faded pastels and delicate make up shades characterise the spring colour range. Just as with outer garments, the colour range for shoe models would not be complete without purple and lavender. These two shades are a permanent feature of a wardrobe’s colour palette. The same applies to grey and stone shades. A top fashionable climber of the season is the “New Blue”, a strong dove blue, which can be superbly combined with cool black and sophisticated grey. This muted but at the same time expressive shade, which hardly played any role, apart from within the period of the Eighties revivals, is a genuine enhancement of the current fashion. Black and cognac remain contenders, in particular with regard to open shoe models. Fuchsia and turquoise emphasize the features.

The Art of Omission
Roman and multi strap sandals are still among the Top 5 in the hit parade of fashionable footwear. The highly versatile strap models, whether flat or heeled, are occupying a permanent space in the shoe cabinets. As a perfect match for the relaxed fashion feeling of the season, ballerinas and wedge heels are also very popular. New are significantly lower wedge heels, which, in combination with wide ankle straps and overlapping straps, guarantee not only a fashionable but also comfortable appearance. Newcomers of the season and absolute must-haves are gladiator sandals - models with open toe area with ankle-high shaft and cut-out boots - and short lace-effect ankle boots. These models, which are frequently adorned with straps and pleating, perfectly express the fashion attitude of the season - super casual, cool and extravagant. Anybody who likes it a bit more glamorous, will take delight in the new peep-toe ankle boots, which let the toes peek out at the front. Many gladiator sandals and cut-out boots have been adorned with rivets to give the easy-glam look an extra touch.

Snakes & Rivets
Adornments and decorative features are generally used in a very subtle and harmonious manner. Apart from rivets, which are playing an important role, buckles are also used a lot. Another eye catcher is the snake and reptile optic, which in combination with powdery, faded shades such as taupe, rosé or off-white not only develops a very special effect but also loses much of its traditional, sometimes shrill expression. Their combination potential is huge. In view of these nonchalant sophisticated models, many a snake-look critic will let herself happily be converted.

Bag Trends
The new bags also convey nonchalant ease, making them the perfect companions for the shoes of the season. Spring like blossom prints, delicate shades and practical bag shapes dominate the picture. Shoulder bags and handbags with longer handles provide pleasant wearability. Snake optics complete a top fashionable outfit as do varieties adorned with rivets. Apart from grey, blue and lavender shades, cool black and sophisticated cognac play a significant role.

Gentlemen in Grey
Retro sneakers in vintage leather or canvas - both as low shoe and as mid cut - remain the fashionable accessory of the season for the sporty gentleman. Both are adorned with increasingly more blind eyelets. Elegant shoes still feature slim lasts. Crinkle leather and decorative stitching provide an interesting change. New is robust velour in nude and grey shades, which radiate an extravagant country house atmosphere. Wiped leather also plays an important role. Toe separators and sandals with cross straps will once again be added to the summer mix. Black, brown and cognac will remain important elements of the colour range - both fashionable and new are smoky blue and grey shades.

Girls & Boys
Very popular with little shoe lovers are ballerinas and sandals in delicate rosé, powdered pink or white as well as tone-in-tone combinations. Purple and lavender has become a firm choice for many girls and is now a constant feature of the fashionable colour range. As popular as with their mothers and older sisters are also top fashionable sandals in Roman look with many straps, which provide the little feet with lots of fresh air. Beige, blue and green remain the boys’ favourites. Models with Velcro fastening convince as much as sporty effects with mesh inserts and robust soles.