“I like Fashion to come down to the street but I can’t accept that it should originate there.” … Sophia Loren Now I don’t mean to sound snobbish but I chose this quote to start things off because it is very true. I am yet to come across a true fashion trend in clothing that was born entirely and completely in the street. In fact all the styles that in any way could be considered ‘street” have major elements that were first seen on runways or in traditional designer trends. This quote also explains what I wish to accomplish with this column, to bring the latest fashion trends and choices off the runways worldwide and adapt them not only for the everyday, but more importantly for the everyday Caribbean. Along with this, I wish to impart some fashion industry knowledge and maybe even a little history. And so I begin…. Imagine with me…… A formal evening out, a tall beautiful woman, elegant upswept hair, priceless diamond chandelier earrings, strapless red ball gown with sheer silk stockings and bright green “DRAGGERS”! I know it’s ridiculous, right? It’s laughable even. I think I can say, without being called a liar, that none of the ladies reading this would ever, under any circumstance, consider what we call “draggers” (more commonly known as the flip-flop) as a serious option for formal foot wear. Yet, for some reason, which I can’t fathom, some of us cannot see how ridiculous the opposite is. What am I talking about? Those young ladies who can be seen at the drag strip or down at the Nevis horse races in high heels. Now don’t get me wrong? I have nothing against stilettos. Actually, if you ask my husband he can tell you I have a relationship with high heels that borders on an unhealthy obsession. But Come On! A time and a place ladies. A time and a place! Not only does the casualness of these occasions shout it, but also the uneven terrain screams avoid heels. I do understand the desire to look tall and sexy but there are other options that can solve both these requirements. Consider the oceans of flats available as a cute, sexy and very stylish alternative. A well selected sandal from the vast varieties of thong, gladiator or slightly more dressy sandals. Need I go on? Whether your choice is a Jimmy Choo flat or, (for those who are financially challenged like myself) one of the numerous cheaper options. The wonderful thing about sandals, especially the more minimalistic styles, is that they have a way of almost tricking the eye. Your legs can appear slightly longer because there is no bold line chopping them off at the ankle, so the eye continues down past the ankle extending the leg. Another cute option for the more sandy or dusty areas is a lady’s loafer, slip-on low cut sneakers or even the ever classic mary-jane flat. I know that the vertically deficient ladies will be the ones that will complain the most about doing away with heels for these occasions, but I want everyone to remember what flats lose in inches they make up for in stability. So, to totally clarify, and so I don’t leave any loop holes, let’s set a rule. If your intended venue is a unlevel, rocky or gravel terrain then, for the sake of your ankles (and my sanity), keep the heel of your selected shoe at the very most 2 inches high. Now gents, I don’t want you to feel left out or think I will be overlooking you in this weekly column. I am not. However, to try and cover the errs of both sexes in this one installment would be the same as trying to force a size 13 foot into a size 6 Gucci shoe. Impossible and frankly a little disrespectable. So I shall leave this installment at just the ladies. I want to invite you all to suggest weekly topics or make comments good or bad! Let me know what’s on your mind By emailing fashion2thestreet@gmail.com.
