The Must-Have Luxury Shoes to Rock This Summer
As the warmth of summer gently rolls in, the fashion-forwards are already stepping up their game, focusing not just on the perfect outfits but must-have shoes that will carry them through sunny days and balmy nights.
Ph. Pavel Danilyuk - PexelsFootwear trends for summer 2024 are about leaving a distinctive mark as you walk to your holiday destination with luxury must-haves.
This season, the trends spotlight an array of footwear styles that promise to blend comfort with luxury, ensuring every step is not just a move but a statement. Let’s walk through the top shoe trends that capture attention and turn sidewalks into runways.
The Rise of Artisanal Craftsmanship
This summer, luxury footwear takes a deep dive into the fine art of artisanal craftsmanship. Gone are the days of mass-produced monotony. In its place, bespoke details and painstaking handiwork are taking centre stage. Designers are channelling traditional techniques, bringing them to the forefront with modern twists that speak to a discerning audience.
Picture sandals and flats adorned with hand-painted designs, beaded embellishments, and custom embroidery. Each pair is not simply worn but experienced, offering a unique narrative that champions the maker's art. Brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci are leading this trend, showcasing collections that highlight the unique skills of artisans from around the globe. These pieces are perfect for those who appreciate the backstory as much as the style, blending cultural richness with contemporary aesthetics.
Designer Vacation Sandals
As travel itineraries get marked and destinations are set, the spotlight turns to the perfect travel companion: your shoes. This season, designer vacation sandals from Fendi, Prada, Chloe, and more are making waves crafted to perfect your getaway ensemble with an unmistakable touch of class. These sandals are not just accessories but integral elements of the vacation wardrobe, designed to offer versatility, comfort, and undeniable style.
Fendi’s latest collection offers a refreshing take on the classic summer sandal, integrating bold logos and airy, sculptural designs that speak to a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Prada revisits sporty chic with robust straps and cushioned soles, making them ideal for explorative jaunts through new cities. Meanwhile, Chloe focuses on femininity with delicate straps and soft, earthy tones that sync beautifully with any sunset. These pieces promise to be as functional as they are breathtaking, capable of transitioning from day tours to evening extravaganzas without missing a beat.
Casual Shoes For Fashionable Women
Ph. Zen Chung - Pexels
Summer also brings a revival of the urban casual with a twist. Casual shoes for fashionable women are to be seen everywhere this season as designers merge comfort with opulent materials and playful designs. This trend sees the emergence of elevated sneakers, espadrilles, and loafers, redesigned with premium leathers, unexpected textures, and vibrant prints that push the boundaries of traditional casual wear.
Sneakers, for instance, are no longer just for athletic pursuits; they are now embellished with crystals, sequins, or metal hardware, making them worthy of high-fashion status. Espadrilles come in laser-cut designs and hybrid forms, incorporating platforms and unusual colour combinations that turn an ordinary walk into a chic adventure. Loafers have shed their conservative skin, appearing in bright shades and oversized, sculptural shapes that challenge the status quo. This trend caters to the woman who enjoys her leisure but insists on maintaining a polished look, proving that casual does not mean compromising on style.
The Colourful Soles Of Summer
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This summer, luxury footwear is not shying away from colour – bold, vivid, and utterly captivating hues dominate the scene. From neon greens to hot pinks and electric blues, designers are using colour as a vehicle for expression and standout style. These vibrant shades are seen across a range of shoes, from stilettos to slip-ons, giving each piece a lively personality that is hard to overlook.
Brands like Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin are at the forefront, infusing their collections with colours that pop against the summer palette. This trend is for those who view their footwear as the centrepiece of their outfit, offering a dynamic way to inject energy into any look. It is all about making a statement, whether you are attending a gallery opening or a city brunch, these shoes are designed to start conversations and keep them going.
The Return Of The Platform
Elevating the game – quite literally – this season are platforms. Once a staple of past decades, they are making a formidable comeback, blending retro vibes with contemporary flair. This year, platforms are not just about adding height; they are crafted to add a new dimension to the silhouette, often combined with chunky heels and surprising materials like cork or woven jute.
Designers like Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs have embraced this trend with open arms, presenting platforms ranging from sleek and sophisticated to bold and whimsical. These shoes are perfect for those who love to blend a bit of nostalgia with modern fashion sensibilities, offering a way to stand taller without sacrificing comfort.
The Sheer Delight Of Transparency
Ph. Cottonbro - Pexels
Transparency continues to be a favourite among luxury shoe trends, with clear vinyl and acrylic materials popping up in several high-profile collections. This trend plays with the concepts of visibility and illusion, creating a sense of intrigue and delicacy. Transparent panels, see-through heels, and even translucent straps are paired with traditional luxury materials like leather and satin, resulting in futuristic and timeless footwear.
Designers like Alexander Wang and Manolo Blahnik are experimenting with these elements, offering shoes that accentuate the foot while playing a subtle game of reveal and conceal. For evening wear or a chic day event, these shoes enhance the wearer’s presence, adding a layer of sophistication and mystery to the overall outfit.
This summer's luxury shoe trends are a vivid demonstration of how footwear can define personal style, mood, and attitude. Whether you are jet-setting to exotic locations or enjoying urban escapades, the right pair of shoes can elevate your experience, proving that every detail counts in the world of high fashion. So lace up, strap in, or slip on: this summer is all about letting your shoes do the talking.
How Personalised Sneaker Prints Are Transforming The Scene
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The Louis Vuitton X Nike AF1 Exhibition
One of the biggest names in luxury fashion and sportswear combined forces and presented us with the capsule collection - the Louis Vuitton and Nike "Air ForceE 1" by Virgil Abloh. The world of luxury fashion and sportswear seem to be on opposite sides but they all stand for one thing: quality and style. This looks like a collection that is bound to have an impact on fashion history. It is not just a collaboration of two amazing brands, it celebrates a fashion icon's legacy and his culture, not something we see everyday.
Ph. Jorge Franganillo (Flickr)
A one-of-a-kind experience celebrates the Louis Vuitton and Nike AF1 collection.
Between the 21st and 31st of May the exhibition took place in Brooklyn; everyone explored the world of Virgil Aboh. Featuring 47 styles of customised Air Force 1 sneakers with Louis Vuitton classic patterns altered and tweaked by Virgil Abloh. For the fans of Louis Vuitton and Nike this is a dream come true. Now let's see what makes this collection so special.
Inside The Louis Vuitton And Nike Af1 Exhibition
You arrive at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn and you’re immediately immersed in the exhibition. Before your eyes is a reimagined orange Louis Vuitton branded entrance, completed with one of Virgil Abloh's recurring LV statues doing a handstand. The cloud-painted walls surround you, as you navigate the monogrammed treehouse and mirror maze containing Abloh quotes emphasising his philosophy of exploring innocent imagination and questioning fashion hierarchy. You make your way inside and you see the 47 physical and holographic sneakers placed in a continuous moving display. And then you learn that the movement is a powerful reference to their connection with hip hop culture. Now everything makes sense and it’s time to find your favourite pair. This dreamlike exhibition celebrates the reimagined Nike Air Force 1 sneakers and the visionary designer who created them.
Virgil Abloh - The Inspiration Behind The Collection
Virgil Abloh, who passed away in November last year, was a boundary-breaking figure in fashion, known for his vision on streetwear and his innovative approach to luxury. To those who know his work, this collaboration comes with no surprises. Virgil considered the Nike Air Force 1 to be a cultural symbol on its own, for him it’s an emblem of the streetwear community that he grew up in. The first ‘Air Force 1’ model was designed in 1982, but this collection also marks a special moment in the history of the sneakers because it is the first time the shoe is crafted outside of a Nike factory. The two icons came together and gave us the most authentic of high-end trainers.
This is a collection like no other, and not because it combines two aesthetically opposite brands, we have seen that before, but because of its meaning. It honours a big name in the world of fashion, the one and only Virgil Abloh. Even if you can't make it to the exhibition in Brooklyn, you may stumble across other pop-up installations that will take place around New York City and the world throughout the year. Keep an eye for the next, one might end up being in your city and you wouldn’t want to miss it.
While we are on the topic about pop up fashion events, Fashions Finest is organising a sustainable pop up event in London. The date is 18th of June and it’s all about sustainable clothes and accessories. If you happen to be around London and love sustainable fashion, we would love to see you there.
Clarks enters the metaverse
The Metaverse - a place with endless possibilities and the world everyone wants to be a part of. So many brands and individuals are now fighting to be the new best thing in the metaverse, but as we all know there is a place for everyone. One of the brands that has just recently come up with a great experience for the younger fans is the British footwear brand Clarks with its new project the Cicaverse.
Ph. Tauhidah Abdul (Unsplash)
Clarks creates ‘The Cicaverse’ making a debut into the metaverse through Roblox.
The Clarks And Roblox Collection
There are a lot of unexpected gaming crossovers to date, but Roblox and Clarks is definitely at the top of the list. I guess it makes sense though, kids love Roblox and they do wear shoes, so why not join forces to make something playful and fun. Together they have created the Clarks Cicaverse stadium that celebrates the retailer’s unisex sneaker style, the CICA. The stadium offers parkour, breakdancing and BMX games for kids to enjoy those with their friends and challenge those CICA trainers. The shoes are designed to empower kids to play without limits. Featuring one of the brand's most iconic, unisex childrenswear styles, this new virtual reality experience aims to inspire a whole new generation of fans.
The Cicaverse Experience
Clarks is offering ‘the sports tournament of a lifetime’ to its metaverse fans. When you step into the Clarks Stadium you will put the CICA to the test and battle out with your friends to see who can grab the highest score. You can test the sneakers on the dance floor while showing your best moves, or doing a BMX trick that you recently learned, or why not take part in the Parkour tournament. All alongside the rile-life athletes who helped create this experience and designing the CICA shoe collection, UK breakdancer B-Girl Terra, UK parkour champion Robbie Griffith and BMX rider Connor Stitt. Another cool feature to the metaverse experience is the virtual Clarks store, where players can give their gameplay a boost. You can find a variety of accessories that will make your avatar stand out and help you win the tournament, because of course there will be prizes. To celebrate the brand's heritage the winners will receive a limited-edition gold Cica X Roblox medallion necklace. A limited number of the same necklaces will also be made in real life and given as gifts to winners worldwide.
With summer coming right away and the kids being out of school there will be long hours spent outside playing and enjoying the sun or staying inside playing video games. Clarks has covered your kids every need for this summer. Now it's the time to enter the Cicaverse and start your next adventure in the virtual world.
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Many fashion enthusiasts predicted the 90s trend would be coming back and it's finally here. Inspired by some of the most influential pop stars, cult films and lifestyle brands synonymous with britpop and the all American dream.
Sustainable footwear for every occasion
Each year, millions of people around the world take part in Earth Day to support the environment. With the climate crisis becoming more serious, every Earth Day becomes more significant. Brands of all kinds have made a commitment to their customers to make more sustainable and ethical products.
Ph. Jakob Owens (Unsplash)
This Earth Day, UGG, Golden Goose and Timberland join the fight against the climate crisis with innovative sustainable products.
Some of the collections that caught our eyes were UGG’s, Golden Goose and Coronet and Timberlands. The footwear brands were crafting their products as part of their efforts to win over conscious consumers this Earth Day with some inspiring sustainable collections and showcasing the many benefits of participating in sustainable fashion.
UGG
UGG is now taking the next step toward a more regenerative future. Earlier last week they announced their second carbon-neutral impact collection. The collection features three styles, each adapting the UGG brand’s signature look and feel, crafted using low-impact materials. This collection's anchor material Is Uggplush™ Terry, a textured blend of responsible wool and Tencel™ Lyocell, among the best in sustainable fashion. Over 99% of the water used in the manufacturing process of the material is recycled, and the solvents are re-used. To make the materials carbon neutral, carbon offsets are purchased to outweigh the small amount of emissions created. They hope to prove that iconic UGG footwear can be reproduced in environmentally friendly ways, without sacrificing comfort or style, and to inspire future collections.
Golden Goose & Coronet
Golden Goose is moving forward with its sustainability plan by collaborating with Coronet, a leader in the research and production of animal free, bio-based, and recycled materials. Together they will launch Yatay, the first made in Italy co-action platform for sustainable footwear. The focus of this partnership will be on an innovative sneaker that is based on the most advanced technologies and bio-based materials, Yatay Model 1B. The gender-neutral sneaker will be made in Italy, utilising the Yatay B. This material is bio-based and entirely derived from plants with recycled polyester and biodegradable rubber. Compared to leather, this material reduces CO2 emissions by 90 percent and water usage by 65 percent. The best feature of the sneakers is the univocal code. Embossed on the left heel of every pair, when scanned, allows the wearer to take part in Golden Goose’s environmental activities. By purchasing them you not only add a stylish new pair of sneakers to your wardrobe but you are also given the chance to contribute in many sustainable initiatives
Timberland
Timberland has a rich history of using recycled materials in their footwear, but this year they found a way to make fully recycled footwear from top to bottom. This Earth Day, the brand introduced the Timberloop™ Trekker City Hiker, its first footwear designed for full circularity. The unique feature of the collection is that the shoes are made to be taken apart and each part can be recycled and turned into a new product. The shoes' outsoles are designed with a unique construction that makes it easy to remove and recycle them at Timberloop's facility. There is also a removable inner bootie that is made of 100 percent recycled plastic. The brand has an outstanding reputation in creating high quality durable products that stand the test of time and now with Timberloop™ it can be said that Timberland is a brand for life.
Nowadays making a sustainable product is simply not enough. People need to be convinced of the many benefits of sustainability. UGG, Golden Goose and Timberland offer their customers not only a product but a chance to be part of the sustainability revolution. If we all want to be part of the change we need to talk about it and learn and what better way than networking with similar minded people. On the 18th of June we are organising a networking sustainable pop up event that will bring together small independent brands and give people the opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy the variety of sustainable fashion and accessories.
Fashions Finest To host an intimate sustainable pop up event in London
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Manolo Blahnik & Birkenstock - when glamour meets comfort
What's better than emerging two completely different fashion worlds into one? In recent years more and more brands are experimenting and thinking outside of the box.
Ph. Ninara (flicker.com)
Now more than ever major couture houses are seen collaborating on one-off collections with the aesthetically opposite brands. We have seen some great collections thanks to a variety of brands collaborating with each other, and that is the reason fashion is moving forward and keeping everyone on their toes.
Manolo Blahnik gives the iconic Birkenstock a makeover for this summer.
One of the most luxurious footwear brands in the world comes together with one of the world's most comfortable. It is for sure not the first time we see glamour and comfort to come together. Just in time for the warm seasons Manolo Blahnik and Birkenstock surprise us with an exciting collaboration. They want to showcase both their creativity and craftsmanship and introduce the Manolo woman to the world of comfort. Blahnik is known for partnering with various brands and celebrities but this is said to be one of his most memorable collaborations to date.
The Story Behind The Collection
One picture sparked the idea behind this new and exciting partnership. Manolo and Kristina Blahnik, his niece and chief executive of the brand, were invited to star in Birkenstocks 2020’ Spring/Summer Campaign. One thing led to another and now we are looking at the final results of the collaboration. The two brands seem to be the exact opposite but if you think about it they have more in common than we think - they are equally dedicated to high-quality craftsmanship and comfort. "We share many of the same brand and design values as Birkenstock and we are thrilled to bring this to life with the new Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock collection", said Kristina Blahnik. “Our goal was to create timeless, high-quality, crafted to be cherished and enjoyed pieces and I am delighted with the results"
About The Collection
Manolo has been a Birkenstock fan ever since he can remember, wearing them most of his life. Without a doubt this collection is going to take the Manolo women and introduce her to the world of comfort. A take on the classic Birkenstock styles with a dash of Manolo’s elegant sophistication and signature elements. The first pieces are set to launch on the 24th of March. Everyone loves classics and it’s always a good start. The Birkenstock Arizona sandal and the Boston clog will be the focus of the first drop of the collection. Crafted in Manolo’s favourite material - velvet, as well as leather and embellished with crystal. A whole new addition to your outfits and a whole new experience for your feet. Following traditional Manolo Blahnik designs, all styles will be packaged in a polka-dot shoebox and special dust bag.
The collection will add some chic to your summer travel adventures. From walking around a tropical island to attending a fancy dinner party - the Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock has you covered.
Stepping into Vegan Footwear? The V.GAN way
Whether you started the year with Veganuary and want to get fully into veganism or you just want to find an animal-friendly alternative for your shoes, V.GAN could be the way.