CLVII Online Shop: Mission: Extreme Footwear Emerges As A Trend On the Spring Runway

Spring 2010 Fashion Week in New York, Milan, and Paris, were rampant with over the top shoes that were sky-high and ridiculously opulent with dramatic details and silhouettes. Designers went to great lengths to over exaggerate and super indulge us with the most unlikely, and possibly unwalkable, shoes ever. The silhouettes were bulky and fanciful with unique heel designs, odd geometric patterns, and kitschy embellishments. The designers who took the lead with a nod to the avant garde include Pierre Hardy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Camilla Skovgaard. But, the true trendsetters were Alexander McQueen and Bruno Frisoni who showcased collections with impeccable craftsmanship and creativity.

Wedges and stilettos with unique heels and soles made a big splash on the runway.
British designer Alexander McQueen’s “Titanic” ballerina pump was a fitting match to his Atlantis-themed collection with it’s antiqued brass heel that latched to the rear of the beige pump.

Another edgy heel the orange “Saw” sandal with a zigzag sole came from Danish designer Camilla Skovgaard, who has garnered a celebrity following including Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry.

Geometric and cutout patterns were just as prominent on the runway.

Pierre Hardy’s designs were the most fashion-forward. The gold multicolor transparent sandals with geometric patterns filled with a transparent fabric were artsy and reminiscent of a Piet Mondrian-style painting.

In a more granny boot style was a perforated leather ankle boot with a lace-like cutout pattern from Marni. The exposed heel made this look a hybrid between a boot and a closed-toe sandal.

In contrast, French label Roger Vivier, whose namesake created the stiletto heel, had a smooth gray suede sandal with fringes that dangled over the top of the shoe and tassel ties that laced up the back.