Archive Oct - Dec 2009 - Shoe Fair Online

Boys will be boys...

December 16 2009

For summer, boys' footwear offers a hint of nostalgia, with styles for lads channelling nautical and retro themes. Ginger Trend Consulting for Mudpie gets the lowdown.

Eryn Behan is director of Ginger Trend Consulting, the exclusive agent for UK trend forecaster Mudpie and its online platform MPDClick, and a provider of fashion forecast services and consumer insight trends to the fashion and interior design industries throughout Australasia.

Cruise-inspired sandals are a must-have this summer for boys. For casual styling, think continental themes and nautical inspired colours. Be sure to include leather sandals or thongs in your range for that authentic cruise look.

For a smarter look 'sensible shoes' were prominent in the SS10 boys' runway collections, with key designers such as Billionaire and Larrana introducing old fashioned, preppy styling through the use of tan leathers on penny loafers or soft to muted hues against brilliant whites.

And for play, 'retro sneakers' are a firm favourite on the market and fail safe investment this season. Adopt this look for footwear by adding colour blocking to sneakers, Velcro and lace combinations, or try white striping across primary colours.

iSpy... Shoe psychology and the return of the kitten heel

December 16 2009

Kitten heels are a new manifestation of the backlash against the dominatrix look... Just watch out for cracks and uneven surfaces, as iSpyStyle reports.

Kate Vandermeer is Director of iSpyStyle - a website and consultancy that spies on the design and fashion industry providing trend and business information targeted to inspire, inform and connect the creative community. You can follow Kate on Twitter at - www.twitter.com/iSpyStyle_Kate and subscribe to her website for free on www.ispystyle.net

In the last column, I mentioned how fashion is cyclical and the season of dominatrix heels is starting to wane. An emerging reaction to this overt aggression is the desire to be feminine and coquettish. Coupled a renewed interest in the style of bygone eras, largely driven by the hit TV show ‘Mad Men', the trend means kitten heels are back!

Despite the elegance of tottering around in them, I personally never feel strong and confident about walking fast or getting somewhere in a hurry in kitten heels... which makes me wonder if there's something to the relationship between shoes and state of mind. Here's some food for thought (in order of comfort) on what your feet say about your head.

Thongs say "I'm chilled, comfy and ready to bring on summer! Don't rush me." Sneakers or trainers say "I'm ready to get fit and get things done... or maybe I'm super stylish and like to show off my limited editions." Brogues say "I'm stylish, androgynous and appreciate classic man style looks... and hey I can walk all day or even stay upright in a stiff breeze." Wedges say "I love a bit of extra height, but look out for those fatal rolling ankles! Stilettos say "I'm feeling sexy, and ready to draw attention to myself, but I can't walk far or stand for long... unless (bizarrely enough) I'm dancing the night away (possibly around my matching handbag).

Finally kitten heels say "I'm dainty and feminine and happy to channel the allure of a 1960s secretary, but sidewalk cracks and cobblestones are my enemy."

If we are to welcome back the kitten heel, here's a tip for designers everywhere: Make them strong, use contemporary details like bandage wrapping or elastic as a feature, and splice colour palettes to make them work with current wardrobes.

iSpy... The return of the clog

December 2 2009

Fashion is returning to a more relaxed, nature loving mode. Ironically if you want to go with the flow, one of the best ways to do it with flair is to get "clogged up", as iSpyStyle reports.

In the world of trends, everything goes in cycles. It's much like dating someone new, you love them, you love them not... and then...

When you look at footwear, its fairly safe to assume - after a couple of seasons in which sky high platforms and stilettos have reigned supreme - that the next trend will be about flats and wedges. Following a saturation of aggressive buckles, gladiators and punk influences in shoes that take us that inch or five closer to heaven, we are starting to see a return to lower heel heights and a more naïve, natural aesthetic.

If fashion is a metaphor, than the aggressive gladiator took us to war and now we are ready to wave the white flag of peace and tranquillity and embrace clogs! Yes, you heard it correctly. Wooden heels, soles and features will be the next big statement in shoes.

Offering a contemporary twist to the Swedish or Dutch clog, this new fashion statement is in the details; getting back to nature by offering grainy wooden stains, wooden embellishments and leather stud work attached to the wooden heel. Instead of a 70s influence, this new style of clog is a mix of simplicity and more Scandinavian in inspiration.

Girl Interpreted - spring summer 2010

December 2 2009

Ginger Trend Consulting for Mudpie delves once more into the secrets of feminine mystique with a look at Girls' SS10 runway and trade-fair showings. See below for a glimpse of the up-and-coming trends and shapes in girly footwear.

Girls' footwear trends favoured the pretty and classic with some of the key looks for next summer being bejewelled sandals decorated with large faux gemstones in metalic shades for a modern interpretation. Bow pumps are also a must with a ballet influence in soft shades to keep things casual.

Add interest to boots and sandals with fringing and embellishments, or use slouched soft suede and leather for a native american influence. For a high time summer appeal offer a touch of cruise styling by teaming these key footwear styles with a floral print bag or straw hat.

Ladies' shoes - spring summer 2010

November 18 2009

Whether you prefer your women's shoes flat, spiked, studded, wedged, stacked, laced, or budding into flower, hot weather means hot styles for the ladies, says Ginger Trend Consulting for Mudpie.

iSpy... Sky High Success!

November 18 2009

At just three years old, fashion footwear label Peep Toe Shoes is something of a style and business dynamo. Here, iSpyStyle uncovers the x-factor behind the brand's rise to sucess... and celebrity.

Entering a saturated market like the fashion shoes category is no easy feat (no pun intended)! So the sky-high rise of Peep Toe Shoes makes for a unique and fascinating case study.

Beginning only three short years ago, Peep Toe shoes have carved a credible niche in the Australian shoe market, wholesaling to 100 boutiques across Australia and boasting four retail stores (one online). Thanks to a strong product placement presence in the fashion glossies and during major catwalk shows, these affordable, comfortable and fashionable leather shoes - with a very loyal fan base - seem to be everywhere.

A recent strategic business move includes some interesting category expansions; fashionable wedding shoes in a variety of colours priced $220 to $275 and an extended size range including size 34 & 42 (Australian sizes 4 and 12 respectively) in selected styles.

Until recently it seemed the only missing piece to Peep Toe's puzzle was a lack of synergy with their branding. Then around three weeks ago, I came across their visuals for their first campaign (pictured above), shot by Chris Ferguson, styled by Amanda Newman and using gorgeous international model Sara Emilia. This shoot elevates Peep Toe's branding, setting a mood about what the brand aspires to be. It will be interesting to watch this dynamic business move forward and carve more market share.

The Thigh's the Limit

November 4 2009

In fashion centres all over the world, it's all about legs... and there's nothing like an ultra long boot to accentuate your pins. Ginger Trend Consulting for Mudpie reports from the vertiginous heights of the current trend.

Thigh high boots were a ‘must have' during the swinging sixties, with sultry style icons such as Brigitte Bardot (pictured below left) stepping out in theirs regularly. The 80s saw an influx of fetish looks hit the runways with diva Cher championing the trend on stage.

Louis Vuitton brought the must have thigh high boots firmly to our attention on the Autumn Winter 09/10 runways offering a variation of styles, from dazzling gold leather boots to ruched and laced numbers.

High street stores and online retailers are picking up on this look early, offering all manner of over the knee boot styles. It seems that everyone from the A-list style icon to the humble fashionista is coveting this latest footwear trend. So take note now for winter footwear trends.

iSpy ... Bloggers are the new Muse

October 21 2009

It's official - Australian fashion blogging is gradually coming of age - as the growth of clever blog and brand tie-ins clearly shows. Here iSpyStyle looks at one notable example of the phenomenon.

The rise of Bloggers within the fashion community is well documented - from 13 year old, Tavi sitting front row at London Fashion Week to Bryan Boy and Garance Dore becoming A-listers. You could even got so far as to say ‘bloggers are the new black.'

In Australia, the profile of bloggers is still on the rise, however Matt Jordan of the amusing and quirky blog, ‘Imelda - The Despotic Queen of Shoes' (where he channels Imelda Marcos) has become a new muse for Brisbane based, designer fashion store Jean Brown. In a progressive and exciting move, Jean Brown's founder Amber Long has cemented her status as a leader in embracing the digital world of fashion by collaborating with Matt to produce a unique shoe exhibition titled "The Imeldific: 20th Century Shoe Design".

On display from October 28th, this is a unique opportunity for both parties involved to build their credibility and brand exposure, whilst creating some ‘retail theatre' for the Jean Brown customer.

Trade Fair Trend AW 10/11 - Pop Colour Palette

October 21 2009

With the typically sombre palette of autumn winter set to be enlivened with spots of pure pigment, international forecaster Mpdclick's Australian arm Ginger Trend Consulting analyses the new colour coding trend.

Referencing the continuing trend in the female accessories sector, pop colours will remain a major focus in footwear for the autumn/winter season, with retailers set to showcase canary yellow, coral, hot fuchsia, electric violet, bright turquoise and vivid green as bestselling shades.

When using pop colours, stick to simple minimalist shapes with little or no detailing; this look can be used on various styles such as knee high boots, chunky trainer styles, strappy heels and wedges.

Art of darkness

October 7 2009

As a penchant for all things dark and punk infused comes into fruition, accessories and footwear present the perfect opportunity to invest in this key trend says Ginger Trend Consulting for MPDClick.

We headed out to London Fashion Week, deeming the esteemed event a fantastic place to spot emerging trends. While plenty of fashionistas had been swept away on a tide of Christopher Kane adoration we couldn't help but note the stunning array of street stylers decked out in punky statement studs. Decorating everything from the classic loafer to the humble hair tie it's clear that studded accessories are a street fashion favourite.

Premier designers are pushing the trend for studded accessories treating bags, footwear and jewellery to all manner of statement metallic stud arrangements. Prada give classic men's brogues a high fashion update with the season's favourite embellishment while Louboutin uses all over conical studs to ensure the desirability of leather ankle boots.

Savvy high street and online retailers are already tuning in to the popular trend. Be sure to offer studded accessories within your men's and womenswear ranges now.

Request a free trial online at www.mpdclick.com

iSpy... Stylish Men's Shoes

October 7 2009

Men's shoe purveyors will be glad to know that the average Aussie male is more conscious of what's on his feet than ever before... and he has every reason to be, given the struttable looks recently spotted by iSpyStyle

Kate Vandermeer is director of iSpyStyle - a website and consultancy that spies on the design and fashion industry providing trend and business information targeted to inspire, inform and connect. Follow Kate on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iSpyStyle_Kate or subscribe to her website for free on www.ispystyle.net

I recently styled a shoot using some fabulous men's shoes that were the perfect blend of designer style with an urban feel. Construction is considered but not heavy, allowing the leathers to mould to the feet of the wearer, creating the comfort of a sneaker with the look of a polished men's shoe. Ranging from slip-on, loafer style lace ups to basketball high tops in mock croc leathers; Silence is Nothing will be adorning many a stylish foot.

I stumbled across a fabulous shoe store in Sydney a while back, with a great range of modern men's shoes that draw on classic, timeless designs for a more modern gentleman. Chrissy Hammond of Marsu Homme, has 10 years experience in designing and hand making shoes and has sculpted each style with a nod to the craftsmanship of yesteryear. Stocked in Incu, Fat, Leopold's Empire, Tuchuzy and Saint Augustine Academy, Marsu Homme showcases that niche, hand made looks are appreciated amongst the right demographic.

Following on from my trend analysis about Artisan Shoes making a comeback in the last e-newsletter, its great to see retailers and more importantly the Australian public supporting these designers in establishing their brands. Their secret: both these labels have focused on their craft, a niche audience and offered a unique point of difference. Listen up and take note!

Exhibitor Sneak Peek - Hot shoe shuffle

October 7 2009

Windsor Smith is currently pointing its male clientele in the direction of urban cowboy chic with a campaign to promote its 'Vain' style menswear boot. The look is a cowboy inspired fashion boot with decorative stitching featuring the Windsor Smith logo.

Priced $179.95 at retail and available in black, tan, or taupe, the Windsor Smith Vain boot is designed for men wanting to give plain, generic footwear a good kicking.

Windsor Smith, which also includes the women's fashion footwear brand Lipstik in its stable, will showcase its ranges at the Australian Shoe Fair from 14 - 16 2010 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre.