As footwear editors, the FN fashion team gives ourselves away at press previews pretty quickly. At the minimum of 10 weekly appointments we have “on the market” (industry-speak for visiting designer showrooms), we’re the ones who are crouched down trying to capture a shoe’s best attributes, making a mess as we rejumble shoes on shelves or examining them from every angle.
Let’s just say there is a fair bit more man-handling involved when it comes to footwear. And we’re always looking for that elusive combo of design innovation or ingenuity meets faultless execution.
As fashion director, I try to always keep my eyes open and go to each of these meeting without preconceived notions that I will love or hate the offering. I also realize that not everyone is wearing designer shoes, but I do firmly believe that we need those luxury shoe designers to boldly experiment and help point the way for the mass brands to follow.
Thus, we snap every shoe worthy of note and often refer back to them when it comes to upcoming shoots, stories or, very often, recommendations for friends and colleagues who just want a cool new pair for ______ occasion/outfit/mood.
Here are some memorable styles from a whirlwind few weeks on our never-ending footwear talent search.
