November 1, 2021 |
In-your-face footwear is nothing new in our little fashion world, but this SS22 season brought the avant garde to the world of kicks. From Loewe’s meme-able soap and rose heels to Rick Owens’ gothic gladiator sandals, this season brought in-person catwalk shows back after 18 months of digital showcases and designers came prepared. Whether you’re hoping to be swept away to a tropical island this holiday season, stomping around the busy city streets or anything in between, here is the craziest footwear of the season.
Simone Rocha
Coming from a maternal and heavenly inspiration, Simone Rocha’s SS22 collection came covered in intricate details loaded with textural florals, dainty patterns and much more. By far the prettiest footwear on display was a platform strapped sandal covered in tiny daiseys, giving a beautiful beaded effect all the way around.
Loewe
Marking his comeback show at Loewe with a bang, Jonathan Anderson wished for an aesthetic rebirth with his SS22 collection, and that he achieved. Loewe’s footwear this season can be easily recognized as the craziest of the season. Replacing the stiletto heel with soap bars, upside roses, nail polish bottles and cracked eggs, this season’s kicks included everything but the kitchen sink (quite literally). Walking on eggshells, but make it fashion…
Lanvin
With an unexpected Batman collaboration in the works, Lanvin’s SS22 presentation brought the iconic superhero centre stage. Presenting a collection covered in cartoon motifs splashed in hues of dark purple, turquoise and pinks, Batman’s illustrative face appeared on everything from dress shirts and blazers to tops and even sneakers. Lanvin’s most eye-catching shoe of the season was the iconic Osiris D3-indebted sneaker remixed with a batman mask, replacing the classic Osiris oversized tongue. Topped off with chunky laces and purple suede finish, this DC hero made his catwalk debut in style.
Rochas
Rochas SS22 show marked the inception of Charles de Vilmorin into the Rochas family. As the new creative director, his first collection for the label came covered in dark tones, shimmers and burning flame motifs that turned more than a few heads. His knee-high oversized boots seemed to grow wings with extravagant ruffles protruding from the sides, making for a wacky yet beautiful offering.
Sportmax
Combining the eccentric with the minimalist, Sportmax’s SS22 collection showcased a beautiful array of distinctive shapes that came together in an eye-catchingly smooth manner. We are still hooked on the beautiful strappy footwear presented by the Milanese brand. The ribbon-tied naked sandals are simple at the top yet come with a voluminous rounded platform that looks as comfortable as a cloud sent straight from above.
Rick Owens
Rick Owens can now officially be recognised as the god of abstract goth. His SS22 collection came with sexy cutouts, stretch bodysuits and a whole lot of obscure shapes that gave the collection a different kind of life. As always, Rick Owens’ footwear does not disappoint. This season the design titan presented his own dom-version of gladiator-heeled sandals. This over-the-knee offering was worn by the designer’s spouse Michéle Lamy, who opened the show.
Chet Lo
Chet Lo’s abstract knitwear has been everywhere since the designer graduated from Central Saint Martins just last year. His use of experimental designs and innovative fabric techniques landed him a spot on the Fashion East roaster this season, taking his spikey knitwear on a summer get-away. Lo’s footwear is nothing to be overlooked. He presented open-toed sandals that wrap around the leg like tree vines on acid.
Balenciaga
It’s no secret that Balenciaga’s oversized chunky footwear is worn far and wide. For this season, the brand proved to be the highlight of Paris Fashion Week. Aside from the red carpet runway and Simpson’s collaboration, Balenciaga’s gigantic ruffled dresses were accompanied by perfectly oversized tailoring, hoodies, track pants and showstopper gowns. This season, the footwear maintained an exaggerated aesthetic, from angular loafers to colossal goth platform Crocs, perfect for stomping about like an angry teenager.
For more coverage from the SS22 shows, click here.
