In Milan, the world’s shoe capital, it can difficult to pick favorites. Especially after a strong season that had a bit of something for everyone, narrowing down Milan Fashion Week’s top shoes is no small task — and they can’t all be Bottega Veneta.
Here’s a countdown of FN’s top 10 shoes of Milan Fashion Week’s spring ’20 season.
10. Prada burnished loafers
Buyers and editors alike praised Prada for its streamlined spring ’20 collection, which also included these traditional loafers in a unique burnished leather. Loafers have been gaining traction lately, and this commercially viable style — with the perfect heel height — should take it into next spring.
9. Versace very J-Lo green sandals
Undoubtedly the most Instagram-worthy runway of the week, J-Lo’s reprisal of her iconic green dress was epic, to say the least. Versace maximized the moment by creating a series of looks that riffed on the gown, which included these jungle green sandals embellished with oversize paillettes. It’s the second time the dress has inspired a Versace shoe; earlier this year, the brand did a jungle version of its Chain Reaction sneaker.
8. Jimmy Choo square toe bejeweled flat
Creative director Sandra Choi created her own animal print for spring ’20 and then added signature Choo bling with retro crystal brooch details. The pump version is insanely elegant, but the square-toe flat version is even more intriguing for its chic versatility — especially at a time when everyone is warming up to the flat.
7. Casadei embellished sandals
This season, Casadei teamed up with the Ethical Fashion Initiative, a program that’s part of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, to create a capsule collection of nine styles using textiles woven made in Burkina Faso, one of the largest producers of African cotton and a country with a heritage of artisanal weaving. Not only will the capsule help develop the textile weaving industry in Burkina Faso, but the collection, including this Casadei-developed color-soaked woven sandal with faceted heel, is stunning.
6. Fendi chunky slingback loafer
The quest for comfortable, real-life shoes persisted in Milan, and Fendi answered the call with a series of loafers done with a slingback and exaggerated chunky heel. They are sure to be worn all day, with suits, trousers, jeans, dresses and anything else come spring ’20.
5. Sara Battaglia accordion pleated platform
Italian designer Sara Battaglia has made a name for herself with whimsical handbags, but her debut footwear collection is even more imaginative. Accordion pleating, polka dots and cutouts dominated the spring ’20 presentation. This pair of platform sandals with multicolored metallic leather and accordion-pleated bows says it all.
4. Gianvito Rossi patent leopard platform
The namesake designer had a handful of platforms in his fall ’19 collection, but he went a step further for spring ’20 with a rock ‘n’ roll-themed collection that had plenty of sky-high shoes. This pair of patent leather platforms in a leopard print is perfection.
3. A new Gucci flat
The Italian brand had major success with its Princetown slide, especially when it was fur lined. Can this pointed-toe flat give Gucci an encore? We’ll have to wait to see until it hits stores in spring, but the signature horsebit detailing along with a new silver chain-link strap feels like it could be worn with literally anything.
2. Giannico bejeweled platform
Founder and creative director Nicolò Beretta has kept his collections tightly edited, and it’s paid off in crafting Giannico’s sumptuous, jewel-tone (and jewel-like) footwear. The addition of a platform as an interpretation of his signature Daphne mule, with its oval crystal embellishment, fits right in.
1. Bottega Veneta twisted intrecciato
Is this the next “It” shoe from the “It” brand of 2019? There is nary a fashion insider who is not going gaga over these shoes, and a closer look at the brand’s spring ’20 standout in Milan revealed that the shoe’s comfort and cushion are a big part of the allure. These sandals puff up Bottega’s traditional intrecciato leather weave and twist it. Other designers, take note: Shoes should feel as enchanting as they look. That’s true luxury.
