Sartorial Science: Chaussures, Zapatos, Shoes!

By: The Buyologist

While our main focus at Sartorial Science is usually trends and how to adapt them to everyday life – what use is a trend without proper accessories? This week’s SS will take note of the accessories that complete the looks of the upcoming season.

Of course, accessories are an accompaniment to the garments you wear. But very special accessories can “make” a look all on their own. The latest crop of accoutrement eschews the idea of an “it” bag or shoe; and instead offer many formidable options; it’s the unique icing on the individual stylista’s cake, so to speak.

Utilizing some of the same forward trends for ready to wear; unique leather treatments, menswear, and prints (tribal, architectural) designers seemed to play with the parameters of the idea of what an accessory should be. Centerpiece? Or accent piece? Prime time player? Or stand in? The strong looks of the season are mirrored in strong accessories. While some are minimalist the design aesthetic still stands out. The spring accessories are center stage worthy.

At the house of Balenciaga shoe boots which are a trend unto themselves took form in tribal and geometric printed leather that meshes perfectly with the ready to wear for spring. Nicholas Ghesquière really made a splash with his geometric themed architectural shoes this season. The textures and volume of the shoe boots play with the proportions of his skinny pants, skirts and dresses.

Balenciaga Nappa Leather slingback style.com

Balenciaga Multi-color Leather lace up bootie Spring 2010 style.com

Also ahead of the pack are designers Alexander Wang and Christophe Decarnin at Balmain. Both of these houses have had accessory success in the past few seasons. Who can forget the now iconic and fully coveted Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain studded gladiator sandal of spring 2009 season?

Coveted Balmain sandals Spring 2009 Style.com

The accessories collection for spring 2010 is just as stunning. The studded and embellished formula used previously at Balmain is still apparently live and kicking; and is also still very relevant. The Balmain boots and shoes were definitely made for walkin’.

Balmain Leather Tribal beaded sandal Spring 2010 Style.com

Balmain Suede lace up boot with studs Spring 2010 style.com

Alexander Wang’s spring 2010 shoes on the other hand, some totally CBGB inspired, take you on a trip of the Lower East Side of New York. Other pairs in the collection take you on a walk where the wild things are with animal prints seamlessly incorporated into architectural designs.

Alexander Wang lace up stiletto Spring 2010 style.com

Alexander Wang Leopard hair calf wedge mule Spring 2010 style.com

Marni, a house known for its non conformist aesthetic echoes the leather trend with lace like laser cut leather. Very much in line with the leather looks highlighted in our leather trend post further demonstrating the synergy of the spring garments with the accessories.

Marni perforated leather ankle boot Spring 2010 style.com

Overall the major fashion houses have designed accessories that are right in step with their offerings for spring. One glaring consistency, which can now be deemed an accessories trend is the shootie, or shoe boot. The shootie has been seen all over the runway in various incarnations. This look has its roots in the cage sandal trend that began spring 2009 and has continued full steam. If there is one accessories trend I would recommend anyone try it’s the shoe boot, or cage sandal/shootie trend.   It’s a great look, easy to wear and adaptable to all situations. Here are a few looks off the spring runways and a few from high street stores:

Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 Style.com

Asos.com “Hodge” color blocked sandal

Manolo Blahnik Spring 2010 Style.com

Asos.com laser cut Shoe boot

Derek Lam Spring 2010 Style.com

The Buyologist Sarah Davis is a fashion designer living in NYC.