Well heeled: shoe trends for AW18
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When Donatella Versace was once asked which trend she despised most, she replied, “flats.”
Well, the fashion mogul best avert her eyes, because this season, flats are back—in a big way.
From brogues to flat ankle boots, slides to sneakers, flats are taking the shoe world by storm (and your feet are probably thanking you, too.)
Someone who always welcomes the change in season is Gail Lubbock, owner of Manuka boutique Escala Shoes.
Every six months Gail travels to Milan to suss out the latest in shoe trends, so it’s fair to say she is one step ahead with seasonal trends (ahem, pun intended).
She agrees there’s been an emergence of a more relaxed, casual style in fashion for some time, particularly this autumn/winter season.
“We’re seeing a lot more emphasis on casual clothing, with relaxed jeans or pants, oversize knits thrown over and brogues slipped on,” Gail says.
“The knee-high boot that was once everywhere a few winters ago has mostly been replaced by the more casual ankle boot, which can come in many different guises and is very much a boot for the now.
“More masculine shoes are coming in too—for example, brogues are quite masculine, but they’re worn with blazers, skirts for a more preppy look.”
Gail says though flats are prominent this autumn/winter season, there is still a variety of emerging trends for any shoe-lover.
“We’re seeing much more colour, including burgundy, green and mustard in shoes—strong dusty pinks, that very feminine sort of look. Then we’ve got metallics to match on a lovely heel,” she says.
“There’s also lots of embellishments, which really make a statement. You’ll probably find more buckles, metallics or jewels.
“There will also be a lot more faux fur, feathers, or suede.”
When it comes to heels, practicality reigns—with thicker, chunkier heels becoming more prominent.
“Having a heel that is more comfortable and more practical is becoming much more popular,” says Gail.
“A lot of women are looking for something they can wear both to work, and after work.”
As for accessories, a pop of colour in winter is always a welcome touch—think a red scarf, deep purple hat or tan leather gloves.
“I think colour is certainly becoming more popular this winter, and there’s been a lot of mixing colours you wouldn’t normally mix, such as pinks and reds,” Gail says.
“I really love the feminine, dusty pink that is everywhere this season. It looks beautiful with a tan coat or leather jacket.”
Along with shoes and accessories, Escala is currently stocking a range of knitwear, including chunky cardigans and finer knitwear. A new addition to the store is also a spectacle range, by local designer Megan Stewart.
“It’s something you wouldn’t expect from a shoe store, but I like that,” says Gail.
“I love that our store will complement an outfit, and we love when clients come in with something they want to wear and we’ll try and find the shoes for the complete look. Every season it’s a thrill.”
the essentials
What: Escala Shoes
Where: 21 Bougainville Street, Manuka
Web: escala-shoes.com.au
Clothing courtesy of Rebel Muse
This is a sponsored post. Read our sponsored post policy.
Photography by Nathan Harradine-Hale, Collections from Him, featuring shoes from Escala
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