"The novelties of one generation
are only the resuscitated fashions of the generation
before last." -- George Bernard Shaw
So far I have done a "Fashion Event" review,
a Personal Style Icon piece, a Fashion Terminology lesson
and a Fashion No-No article. This week I will give you
a look at present and predicted future fashion trends,
beginning from the ground and moving up. So we begin
with shoes, glorious shoes!
Guys, you're first, for once! Just as a side note, isn't
it shocking that men are often overlooked or pushed
to the background in the fashion world, when the vast
majority of designers are men? One would think they'd
be more interested in dressing themselves or those that
look like them. I honestly think this is in desperate
need of correction, though admittedly I am guilty of
this crime too. But anyway; shoes.
In 2010, men's footwear fashions seem
to all fall under two specific categories: Comfort (smart
guys!) and Classic Style. An interesting choice I have
found when searching for new trends, is the espadrille
style. This is traditionally a canvas or cotton upper
shoe with rope or rope-like soles, which has mostly
been seen in women's wedge styles. This year it's seen
re-emerging as a simply stylish and super comfortable
look for men's feet. It gives the wearer a choice of
a closed back loafer or an open back mule. For this
style I prefer the muted standard colours like black,
beige or brown and those with a gum coloured rubber
sole to replace the traditional rope.
 |
| |
As expected this year, sneakers are back
and will probably be around for years to come in men's
footgear. This year sees brands like Nike (Air Force
Ones and Dunks) and Converse (Chuck Taylors) leading
the pack with their classic styles. A new twist on many
of these styles is the introduction of patent leather
for shine and bold, bright colours. These two elements
giving these "kicks" a new fun edgy look.
On the boot front, men are still buying and wearing
Timberlands, with no truly new changes. (Because how
can you perfect perfection?) However, those guys looking
for a change from this rugged look are opting for a
sleek, sophisticated high-cut dress shoe, which will
have a narrowed toe again this
year. Also surviving into 2010 is the
always popular Clarks, which is a favourite among our
local guys.
Now the ladies! 2010 is expected to
be yet another statement year for lady's shoes. Meaning,
one can chose to wear an all black outfit, making
the shoes the main focus of the ensemble. This year
will be a rollover year where the gladiator sandal
is concerned. As strong and enduring as the name suggests,
this trend will no doubt last until the end of this
year at least, If not much longer. They have received
some more glam power this year with the addition on
numerous extra straps, buckles, studs and an interesting
hooded ankle look. The most revolutionary change I
have seen so far in flats is the appearance on more
unconventional styles of ladies loafers or slip-ons.
Some of these are a flash back to the oxfords, generations
before us wore. Others are odd,
 |
| |
almost theatrical or ballroom looking
shoes. I must say I am not all that fond of this trend,
but it is highly anticipated by many experts to be
a huge hit this year. Well to each his own! I will
say they are an excellent choice for the more mature
lady or even the oddball personality, and over both
comfort and foot coverage.
By far my favourite part of this article is the high
heels. I have a confession, don't tell my husband
but this year I think I will be having a love affair
with a Naughty Monkey, "Me, O My". (Google
it!). That's just my personal choice. 2010 ladies
styles, unlike our shoe-wise counterparts, seem to
have totally forgotten the concept "comfort".
(Comfort, what is that? Is that even English?). This
year, ankles beware, marks
ridiculously high heels. We are talking
seven inches and up for the average stilettos. Luckily
the platform of the shoe has also seen some elevation
this year, so we ladies should not feel the change
too much in our feet, though it will reflect a lot
in our heights, I can hear the five-footers cheering
already. Another expected 2010 trend in high heels
is also patent leather and bright, bold colours, but
the standard black will also endure. Yet another trend
will be patterned or floral printed fabric-covered
shoes, for a fun playful look. There will be an addition
of bolder and more lavish embellishments on shoes
like ruffles, fringes, feathers, studs, diamantes
etc. and weird and funky cut out styles in high heels
Finally, a public service announcement
for all my fellow shoe-fetish ladies: A deeply informative
documentary on the correct and appropriate techniques
for accessorizing and wearing high heels will be released
very soon.
Sex and the City 2.
'Nuff Said!
Please suggest weekly topics or make
comments good or bad! Let me know what's on your mind
by emailing fashion2thestreet@gmail.com and find me
on Facebook.
|
