Step Up

Change. The most natural process in human evolution is a byword in everything fashion.

Without it, transitions and seasons will just be one faceless blur, a monotony of sameness. While that could mean a simpler life without the pressure of extending and updating wardrobes, that would also mean a death of creativity and an extinction of individuality.

As often as I berate myself for obsessing too much when there’s a major shift in the sartorial kingdom, I also accept the fact that it’s part and parcel of being relevant. Turning points have always been an interest. And saturation levels of trends seep into the subconscious mainstream in diversified attacks. The subtle but abrupt discontinuity of the directionnaires, the collective transition of the more general followers, and the disaffected ambivalence of the standards who think too obvious departures from the classics will die a natural death.

If The Shoe Fits

The backlash was bound to happen anyway, what with every other girl rocking some version of fierce footwear from multi-strapped criss-crossed platforms, to cut-out stilettos, to towering peep-toe wedges. Even the department stores with their conservative take on fashion has gotten the memo, shoes—statement shoes to be exact—is where the money’s at. Even Alexander Wang’s ubertrendy booties with the side flap and lace-up aesthetic have been knocked off to death.

There’s also the accessibility of local online shoe sites offering affordable head-turning footwear. So, who wouldn’t be seen with fantastic shoes? Everyone does.

But a few have decided that quantity is relative, of course, to the quality. It-girls-about-town and celebs with taste have reverted to the classic, swearing by their YSL tribute pumps — instant height with the ultimate comfort, is what they say.

This sleek baby comes with a 5.5-inch skinny heel and a 1.5-inch hidden platform — aerodynamics on the feet, definitely. And this was two years ago.

The new pump on the block is the YSL Palais. With a visible and thicker platform on the head, and a retro flared heel, it’s still the rounded YSL signature, but with a friendlier look. It comes in two versions, the plain suedes, or the Mohawked. I’d go for the latter. The difference? A $200 one.

And on a pedestrian level, Brogues have seen their share of reinterpretations. Lookbook girls, scenesters and every other stylephile have effortlessly adapted to this flat lace-up. And its easy to see why, non-heeled footwear in daily motion is always a preferred alternative. Brogues add a touch of tomboy masculinity — an edge if you might say, albeit a very subtle one.

But if it has become a uniform for the youth, then it must mean ubiquity in an almost chokehold level. Still, with menswear in mind, loafers with tassels are a fresher take, English brand Russell & Bromley certainly knows how to do prep school chic. Shallow front, mustached and tasseled, it can add a new spin to trousers, shorts and dresses.

Another choice for those looking to go to brogue rehab are the gentleman’s slippers. Dressier and more elegant, it usually comes embroidered and finished in velvet, though evolutions have resulted in animal prints and studded ones from Christian Louboutin.