Imelda
has a deep appreciation for those designing men’s footwear; it’s a thankless,
conundrum-riddled task (made all the harder by my merciless tongue of tyranny)…much
like blogging!
In
seasons past I’ve turned to my good friend Kim Jong-il to collect his thoughts on
the collections, since, as a man (albeit one who wears platform cha-cha heels)
and the end consumer, it’s his opinion that designers are interested in. But
Kim failed to report for duty (a pressing engagement of sabre rattling) so Imelda’s
flying solo this week.
After
a sluggish start, days two, three and four presented Yum Yum with ample opportunity to scrap-down Imelda's pantalettes.
At Prada (scroll down),
Muicca came close to erasing the diabolical after-taste of last seasons
‘ghet-toe’ horror with one of the most directional collections of the week.
The
oversized kiltie trim on Prada’s 70’s inspired square toe loafers was a simple
yet ingenious masterstroke and is likely to be one of the key trends bug-eyed
mid-market knock-off merchants will race into production.
image credit Sonny Vandevelde
Polished
leather was the perfect complement to Prada’s contrasting colour palette, which
from the cheap seats gave the burnt honey toned kilties the illusion of lava spilling
out over the shoes.
Gucci’s
Frida Giannini (scroll down) was another designer who presented the kiltie trim. Differing
from Prada’s 70’s offering, Giannini’s kiltie was attached to a heavily
brogued, tassel trimmed classic loafer silhouette.
Updating
Gucci’s iconic snaffle trimmed loafers in winter tones of greens, browns and
beige and combining them with cropped trousers, Giannini’s collection wreaked of
old-money luxury with a hint Tom Ford.
The
Versace-trons were piped into nut cracking futuristic leathers and commanded to
navigate Donatella’s matrix in plum, black and grey round-toe patent boots.
Versace’s
cyber conscripts confirmed the monk strap as a key trend for men’s A/W
footwear. Multi buckle closures were concealed while Velcro was used to
maintain the clean minimalist feel against the brothel creeper soles.
According
to WWD, Alexander McQueen’s highly anticipated collection was a riot of ideas
but lacked the Brit’s usual showmanship. Imelda could have cared less, because
if anyone can unleash my womanly moisture, it’s Alexander McQueen.
Wrapped
in plastic (my love essence will stain even the most resistant shagpile) I
ogled and then coveted the heady collection of muted photo print suits, jackets
and separates.
Mixing
the old (laser cut oxfords) with the new (photo printed leather ankle boots on
moulded rubber soles) McQueen’s footwear wasn’t the brilliance of seasons past
but it anchored the collection and was the most accessible aspect to it.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
VERSACE
DSQUARED2
