Roping in some fairweather style
Source: Agencies |
May 12, 2013, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
IF you're craving a little more summer in your springtime wardrobe and you're hesitant to break out the white pants (it's OK, but that's another conversation), try espadrilles.
The rope-soled shoes have long been a staple of the fair seasons, no matter if there's a chill in the air or the sidewalks are steaming. It's all good as long as the sun is shining.
"The espadrille for spring is like the riding boot in the fall," says Elisa Miller, creative director of the beachy brand Calypso St Barth. "It's a rite of the season."
Style options have increased exponentially as designers take liberties with the definition - and have got a little smarter about their construction. Flat versions, wedge versions, sandals, slides and gladiator lace-up styles are some of the choices of a shoe with humble roots that was made fashionable in France and Spain in the mid-20th century.
"I'd call anything with the jute sole an espadrille," says Miller. "That's what defines it."
Luckily for wearers, especially those who have been caught in the rain, many espadrilles now have a bottom layer of rubber, too.
But such practicality likely isn't driving the renewed interest. Alexis Bryan Morgan, executive fashion director at Lucky magazine, traces this "huge espadrille moment" to last year's Valentino spring runway. Seeing lacy black espadrilles paired with a long lace dress left editors swooning, she said. "It was styled so elegantly that suddenly this disposable go-to shoe was also chic and elegant."
"You can't say they're a 'trend' because they're pretty much an annual tradition," says Tracey Lomrantz Lester, women's editorial director at Gilt, but she agrees this season marks a rebirth. They elevate an outfit without looking "too done," she says.
Lucky's Morgan sees them as a more fashionable alternative to flip-flops. They can go to the beach or to dinner, and the nautical vibe keeps things relaxed and summery.
As a vacation shoe, it's ideal, she adds. "You're probably already wearing them so you don't have to pack any shoes."
Espadrilles are instantly transporting, agrees Lester. To her, they evoke Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera, an inspiring image even if you're headed to the office or running errands, she says. Just throw on a striped bateau-neck top and white jeans - and voila!
Lester says a white sundress also works, while Morgan suggests a maxi or a simple black dress.
For them to last, Calypso's Miller suggests using fabric or leather protector on the uppers.
Still, Morgan likes to refresh her closet with a new pair. "So they're not hearty shoes, but that's the appeal. They're casual, go-to and beachy. There's a huge variety, but the message is the same: It's time to relax and be in the sun."
The rope-soled shoes have long been a staple of the fair seasons, no matter if there's a chill in the air or the sidewalks are steaming. It's all good as long as the sun is shining.
"The espadrille for spring is like the riding boot in the fall," says Elisa Miller, creative director of the beachy brand Calypso St Barth. "It's a rite of the season."
Style options have increased exponentially as designers take liberties with the definition - and have got a little smarter about their construction. Flat versions, wedge versions, sandals, slides and gladiator lace-up styles are some of the choices of a shoe with humble roots that was made fashionable in France and Spain in the mid-20th century.
"I'd call anything with the jute sole an espadrille," says Miller. "That's what defines it."
Luckily for wearers, especially those who have been caught in the rain, many espadrilles now have a bottom layer of rubber, too.
But such practicality likely isn't driving the renewed interest. Alexis Bryan Morgan, executive fashion director at Lucky magazine, traces this "huge espadrille moment" to last year's Valentino spring runway. Seeing lacy black espadrilles paired with a long lace dress left editors swooning, she said. "It was styled so elegantly that suddenly this disposable go-to shoe was also chic and elegant."
"You can't say they're a 'trend' because they're pretty much an annual tradition," says Tracey Lomrantz Lester, women's editorial director at Gilt, but she agrees this season marks a rebirth. They elevate an outfit without looking "too done," she says.
Lucky's Morgan sees them as a more fashionable alternative to flip-flops. They can go to the beach or to dinner, and the nautical vibe keeps things relaxed and summery.
As a vacation shoe, it's ideal, she adds. "You're probably already wearing them so you don't have to pack any shoes."
Espadrilles are instantly transporting, agrees Lester. To her, they evoke Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera, an inspiring image even if you're headed to the office or running errands, she says. Just throw on a striped bateau-neck top and white jeans - and voila!
Lester says a white sundress also works, while Morgan suggests a maxi or a simple black dress.
For them to last, Calypso's Miller suggests using fabric or leather protector on the uppers.
Still, Morgan likes to refresh her closet with a new pair. "So they're not hearty shoes, but that's the appeal. They're casual, go-to and beachy. There's a huge variety, but the message is the same: It's time to relax and be in the sun."
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
