September 7, 2023 |
FOOTWEAR FINDS IS OUR NEW ONLINE SERIES WHERE WE SPOTLIGHT THE COOLER-THAN KICKS THAT CATCH OUR EYE. TRAINERS, FLATS, BOOTS OR HEELS; WE DO LOVE A BIT OF DELICIOUS SHOE-CANDY. FIRST UP: JACQUEMUS LES CHAUSSURES BALLET.
Seductive, playful and contemporary, Jacquemus’ darling new ballerina heel is the ultimate juxtaposition between elegant femininity and elevated modernity. Dubbed Les Chaussures Ballet, these beauties are wonderfully whimsical and – ahem – ‘en pointe’ with the ballerina-core trend re-energised by Miu Miu in particular, that’s made moves on the runways and rocked the internet this year. On and off the runway, that ODD look (off-duty dancer) is utterly irresistible.
First making an appearance at the designer’s AW23 Le Chouchou show paired with sheer, lingerie-adjacent dresses, the pumps exude prima ballerina excellency whilst reserving some flirtatious French drama and regality. Known for his references to a deep-seated love of French culture and history, Simon Porte Jacquemus didn’t miss a single mark. The heels clearly fete connotations to 18th-century Paris with delicate straps and dainty bow details, whilst simultaneously serving a rigid square toe evocative of a true pointe shoe. Crafted in buttery leather, the heels come in virginal off-white, as well as suggestive red and black in case you’re looking to channel your inner Marie Antoinette. She, no doubt, would want a pair of these – and you should too.
Held in a venue few can touch, the Palace of Versailles served as the perfect backdrop for the catwalk, whilst those who attended the show – the Beckhams, Claire Foy, Emily Ratajkowski and Eva Longoria to name a few – sat in alabaster rowboats along The Grand Canal with the runway laid out next to the water. The setting only accentuated the symbolism of grandeur and elegance embodied by Les Chaussures Ballet.
Mr. Jacquemus – who’s made a steady and explosive rise to the top of the fashion industry, dominating trends and becoming an instant favourite amongst dedicated fashion fans – described the significance of the show’s historic location in an interview with WWD, explaining, “I was so inspired by this historical place during the design process that it led me to explore many new creative possibilities, different from my past shows, but still very Jacquemus”.
Since it pirouetted onto the scene, the ballet shoe has been home to a low-profile silhouette with delicate detailing making it an effortless choice for everyday wear. But at Jacquemus, it’s making more of a subtle statement with a stiletto heel for pure sex appeal – the higher the heel the closer to heaven, are we right? Put together a scantily clad look to accompany and do your best impression of Natalie Portman’s Black Swan. We dare ya.
Photography courtesy of Jacquemus. Purchase your pair here.
