Very CC: Classy Casual

After that zany, seesaw summer: fashion has forced us to grapple with irrational exuberance, global mix (i.e., “anything goes”) and an overhaul of the monochromatic minimalism of the ’90s. Yes indeed, one rip-roaring summer that’s gone every which way.

Pourquoi pas? It’s 2008, isn’t it? So, to celebrate it, Pedro García and Dale Dubovich suggest getting an early jump on the next season with a special vive la fête wink coming in the form of a new collection.

A wonderful little assemblage of models featuring an opulent combination of three Swarovski necklaces, three pearl strands and a ribbon bow on temperamental materials like satin, sequins, patent leather, leopard skin, bouclé, denim and Oxford stripes. The same form offered in three different heights always results in fireworks, though each one is totally unique. Can’t-miss models include the 4.5-inch Mary Jane heels in leopard skin, very All-New Marilyn; the bouclé ballet flats (Coco 21ème siècle) and the medium-heel pump with Oxford stripe: So ladylike!

With the first rigors of fall upon us, the collection is a tad more disciplined, in the spirit of someone preparing for a return to the hallowed halls of Cambridge. Strips of stamped leather, reminiscent of elegantly bound books, go nicely with satin, presented in striking colors and with such descriptive names as Demitasse and Eclipse. Models with a certain intellectual depth, eased only by the anatomic sole platforms and the heels on the T-straps and open-toe slingbacks. Honorable mention would go to the rather subdued frayed Mary Jane flat and, above all, the Mary Jane with the imposing heel, whose new shape and hidden platform somehow make the foot seem one size smaller.

Do you believe in reincarnation? Is it possible for a little old pair of socks that has fulfilled its karma to come back to life in the form of sophisticated, ultramodern ankle boots? Nappa, suede, patent leather and satin with stretch support open the door to models without zippers or clasps that adhere to the foot almost like a second skin. Glossy or velvety. A respite after the flood of gaucho boots. Stylized silhouettes with round toes and razor-thin heels or almond-shaped toes and wide heels on booties, ankle boots and full-size boots, all of course with an erotic, sort of Goth dominatrix vibe. Every one of them exclusively in black. Slick and black.

But if any of the boots from García and Dubovich take their authentic hallmark to the limit, it would be the ones fashioned in sturdy split suede and matching nylon. Models without lining that are incredibly comfortable thanks to the quality of the leather. From the sporting spirit of a padded sneaker to the Spirit-of-London Chelsea boot, both — of course! — having an inner platform, anatomic sole and 4.5-inch heels. And it goes even further: how about a fully padded boot, tall and form-fitting, with a half heel and wraparound rubber sole? We’ve left London and are now in Italy, perhaps Milan.

Split leather is also the material chosen by PG to produce one of this season’s musts: The Mary Jane. A model with the same cut and anatomic inner platform as its boot counterparts, but fastened with two clasps. An adorable, all-terrain number as versatile as the reversible-flap ankle boot or the ductile ballet flats. And as always, each one in the most basic, simple colors. But mark my words: go with the Mary Jane ... in navy. Very CC: Classy Casual.

To wrap up winter (after having bottled up so much material essence with that impenetrable sobriety pervading the bulk of the collection)... Butterflies! Why not? Set on suede models with moderate austerity and ethnic reminiscences, gold transferred applications in the form of elaborate butterflies and countless round and flat studs. And, out of nowhere, simple flats, ankle boots and round-toe pumps, in camel or black, metamorphose into sophisticated ethnochic footwear. “Once a caterpillar, now a butterfly,” as Neil Tennant would say.

Pedro Garcia shoes are available at Adora Department Store, Greenbelt 5. Visit http://www.adora.ph or e-mail info@adora.ph.