Gap, circa 1995
Yes, really—the Gap! These leather Brazilian slides are an easy, minimal design…a perfect summer basic. (And the perfect basics are always the hardest to find—that’s why I still have these after a decade and a half!)
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Walter Steiger, spring 2000
Finding these amazing Italian sandals at Loehmann’s was another of those serendipitous shopping moments… I had recently found the Charles Jourdan tote (07.20.2009) in Paris; the bag and sandals came together perfectly. These patent leather sandals use ordinary vinyl tubing in an uncommon way—very clever as the gladiator laces. Another witty fashion moment!
Walter Steiger (born 1942 in Geneva) has designed shoes for a host of designers, from Mary Quant in the “swinging sixties” London, to Karl Lagerfeld, Azzedine Alaia, Claude Montana, and Kenzo; as well as Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein. Among his sixteen retail locations worldwide is a New York boutique at 417 Park Avenue at 55th Street.
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Anne Klein, spring 1999
What a fun idea to fill the platforms of these champagne leather banded slides with sparkling faux crystals! Too bad the company didn’t take the time to test the durability of the vinyl shell of the platform…the first time I wore these, one platform split open and the tiny beads trickled out! It was a sort of Hansel and Gretel event, with the shiny bits marking my shopping path in Soho!
Fortunately Neiman Marcus replaced these fun and funky Italian sandals; the second pair just doesn’t go long distances!
Mail this postPopularity: 56% [?]
Anne Klein, spring 1998
I bought these Italian slides as a starting point for an outfit to wear to an elegant spring wedding. Yes, I often start with the shoes or bags, or even a belt or pair of gloves. I definitely would style a look around a unique piece of jewelry. My clothes are typically simple, clean designs; this allows the accessories to star without the look becoming too cluttered. Also, this allows me to create more looks from my basic wardrobe…and have more money left for handbags!
So, back to the wedding…it was cancelled two weeks before the invitations were due to be mailed. My fashion event was certainly not of equal significance to that! The gold sandals just became incorporated into my wardrobe without leading to something new.
When you have a very specific design ideology (and strong personal style), and stay true to it when shopping, the elements of your wardrobe will always come together…at some point. (Shopping alert! Don’t buy everything you like if it really has no place in your closet—be objective about your purchases! And call a friend with a hot tip if the item should really be in her closet!) When I found the Francesco Biasia Wave Tote I found a new counterpoint to these slides. The key element which brought them together is the color of the sandals—it’s a bit unusual, sort of a pinkish-cast warm gold—really nice with the warm metallic coral tote. Of course, both shoes and bag have a fresh, modern feel. So even though this is not the “wedding guest” look which I originally envisioned, it did find a place in my closet!
Mail this postPopularity: 53% [?]
Puma, spring 2009
In the New Orleans tradition of lagniappe, here is a little something extra for your visual pleasure. Pictured are sneakers from the Roy Lichtenstein-inspired “Popart “line, as my son tried them on in the Philadelphia Puma store. They’re still available online ($50-$65)—happy shopping!
Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) himself described Pop art as “not ‘American’ painting but actually ‘industrial’ painting.” His comic book influenced work prominently featured the use of Ben-day dots, which were developed by illustrator and printer Benjamin Day (1810-1889). The dots are equally sized within a given area; their color and spacing vary to create the desired optical illusion (as opposed to half-tone dots, which vary in size to create value and shading). Lichtenstein enlarged and exaggerated the dots to create his iconic images, the first of which came from a challenge from one of his sons to paint a Mickey Mouse as good as the one in the comic book. With its hard-edged figures, bold outlines, and speech bubbles, Lichtenstein’s work was a comment on mass media’s portrayal of its subjects; the Puma sneaks are an homage to an American artist who continues to delight and amuse us. And could Puma be any more mass market?
When you visit the birthplace of America, check out Absolute Pop Art, 137 South 13th Street, Philadelphia 19107 for Pop Art recreations.
Happy Birthday, America!
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Puma, early 21st century
You probably can’t moonwalk in these…they’re not too practical, but they are too funny! And they do work well as wall art!
These funky flip-flops were another hilarious find at Marshall’s—I came home laughing!
Mail this postPopularity: 18% [?]
Anne Klein Couture, late 1980’s
You can’t beat summer sandals! These vintage variegated black and white cord flats (amazingly) still look contemporary. They came from Bonwit Teller in Philadelphia shortly before its demise.
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Charles Jourdan, spring 1985
“Lucile”, noir/blanc (black/white)
Not your mother’s spectators, these black and white kidskin pumps gave me a thrill! They went with ease from power presentations to dinner and dancing in the mid-eighties.
Charles Jourdan (1883-1976) was born in the same year as Coco Chanel. By the time my shoes were created, the company was under the leadership of two of the founder’s three sons, Rene and Charles; Roland having retired in 1981. Some thought the shoes became more conservative in the eighties; I thought they became more architectural—that was the appeal for me. And the handbags! The most amazing shapes! Oh yes, I collected them passionately!
I can’t mention the French-made Charles Jourdan shoes without emphasizing the fabulous fit and feel. They were the Christian Louboutins of their day (sans red soles), but just as easily recognizable for their high style.
In the future I’ll show you much more vintage Charles Jourdan and fill you in a bit more on the history of the company—something to anticipate!
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Calvin Klein Collection, summer 2006
These sandals define contemporary fusion fashion. The inspiration is the traditional Japanese Geta clog, but it’s made elegant with lacquered silver leaf and black suede, and very contemporary by the sexy wedge-shaped thong and gladiator laces.
Shortly after finding these at Sak’s Off Fifth, I was given the Issey Miyake bamboo and leather bag (06.19.2009)—it was serendipitous—they’re the perfect counterpoint!
Mail this postPopularity: 14% [?]
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