This Is How I See It: 5 Unusual Heels

Contents:

• Sandals by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe
• Bahia sandals by Simone Porte Jacquemus for Jacquemus
• Sandals by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana for Dolce & Gabbana
• Sandals by Humberto Leon and Carol Lim for Kenzo
• Sandals by Thom Browne for Thom Browne

In the "I See It This Way" column, we explore the different approaches designers and illustrators take to depicting the same object. By analyzing these interpretations, you can find inspiration, develop your creativity, and create unique meanings and associations. We strive to show how a diversity of views can enrich artistic perception and contribute to originality in creativity. This column will be an excellent source of ideas for those seeking fresh solutions and new perspectives in design and illustration.

Footwear designers are increasingly focusing on comfort, not just aesthetics. This shift in approach means that each unconventional solution, such as an original, but not always practical, heel shape, instantly makes a model stand out from the crowd. Comfortable footwear is becoming a priority, allowing us to create unique designs that not only attract attention but also provide comfort for everyday wear. We present five examples of heeled shoes from various brands. These models are distinguished not only by their style but also by their quality, making them an ideal choice for a variety of events. Choosing heels can emphasize your individuality and add elegance to your look. Take a look at the variety of designs and materials offered by modern brands. Each of these models can complement your wardrobe and become the main accent in the image.

Sandals by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe

For Loewe's Spring 2022 collection, Jonathan Anderson drew inspiration from the paintings of Florentine artist Pontormo. The designer interpreted the Mannerist painter's distinctive palette, creating garments with striking color gradients and tops with exquisite draping. This collection showcases a unique blend of art and fashion, emphasizing attention to detail and emotional expressiveness, making it relevant to connoisseurs of both high-quality clothing and art.

The shoe collection clearly reflects the influence of surrealism, one of the most vibrant artistic movements. The heels of the leather sandals are crafted in unusual shapes, such as bars of soap, nail polish bottles, candles, eggs, and roses. This not only draws attention but also creates a unique style that sets the shoes apart from traditional models. This approach emphasizes the artistic value of the accessories and allows each wearer to express their individuality. Surrealist elements in shoe design open new horizons in the world of fashion, creating a surprising blend of art and everyday life.

The shape of the sandals in the image embodies fragility and spontaneity. The eggs appear to be crushed under the weight of the models' steps, creating an effect of lightness and vulnerability. This design highlights the uniqueness and elegance of the shoe, drawing attention to the combination of style and concept that can inspire the creation of new fashion looks.

Bahia sandals by Simon Porte Jacquemus for Jacquemus

The Jacquemus La Bomba collection, created by designer Simon Porte Jacquemus, is dedicated to his late mother, Valérie, and is inspired by the charm of Provence. This unique collection includes short dresses and skirts that resemble pareos tied around the hips. Casually styled white shirts are also present, giving the looks a light and fresh feel. To complete the looks, the designer uses headbands, voluminous straw hats, miniature bags, and earrings in the shape of door handles, adding originality and expressiveness to each look. This collection combines style, elegance, and a touch of nostalgia, reflecting the creator's deep personal feelings.

Shoes with a stacked heel attracted attention for their uniqueness. The asymmetrical heels of Bahia shoes and sandals are crafted from wooden geometric shapes, reminiscent of children's pyramid toys. This original design not only accentuates style but also adds a touch of creativity to everyday looks. Models with such heels are perfect for creating bright and memorable looks, combining comfort and aesthetics.

During the pandemic, Jacquemus fans launched a social media flash mob under the hashtag #JacquemusAtHome. Inspired by the heel's resemblance to an orange, users began creating original shoe imitations using scrap materials. As alternatives to heels, they used fruits, toilet paper rolls, and chargers, demonstrating creativity and a sense of humor. This trend became a shining example of how fashion can adapt to the times and inspire creativity even in difficult times.

Sandals by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana for Dolce & Gabbana

Sicily became the main theme of the Italian brand's collections in the 2010s. The designers drew inspiration from the island's folklore and natural landscapes, and the spring/summer 2014 collection was dedicated to the ancient Greek period of its history. Loose tunics with photo prints of Ionic columns, including the facades of a pagan temple in Agrigento, were prominent in this collection. These elements highlight Sicily's rich cultural heritage and imbue fashion with an atmosphere of historical grandeur. The footwear line features not only gladiator sandals in gold and bronze, but also wedge sandals adorned with testa di moro motifs, symbolizing the heroes of Sicilian legends. A distinctive feature of this line are the heels, crafted in the form of ancient columns with characteristic reliefs and volutes. Interestingly, a few years later, similar column heels were used in the Chanel 2018 cruise collection, highlighting the influence of antique aesthetics on modern shoe design.

Sandals by Humberto Leon and Carol Lim for Kenzo

For their spring 2017 collection, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the helmers of the French brand with Japanese roots, Kenzo, once again turned to the bohemian style of the seventies. The designers' mood board was inspired by Kenzo Takada's fashion show, which took place at New York's Studio 54 club in 1977, as well as Antonio Lopez's illustrations for glossy magazines of the time. The collection captures the spirit of the era, combining bright colors and bold prints, making it relevant and appealing to modern fashionistas.

The designers adapted Polaroids and collages for pencil skirts, high-waisted trousers, loose-fitting dresses, and coats. The disco-era aesthetic is evident in gold-shimmering blouses, sequin-embellished short dresses, shimmering bras layered over shirts, and vinyl skirts. These elements create a unique style that blends retro influences with modern fashion.

Metallic leather sandals sparkled on the runway under the bright spotlights. The design's signature feature was a spiral heel reminiscent of a permed lock of hair, a nod to 1970s fashion. This unique heel shape, also known as a "corkscrew," was first introduced in 1936 by French shoe designer André Peruggia for New York's Saks. Modern trends are bringing back such elements, which makes them relevant for lovers of stylish and unusual shoes.

Sandals by Thom Browne for Thom Browne

American designer Thom Browne's Spring 2018 show resembled a theatrical performance set in an empty swimming pool. Models began the runway show in voluminous silk coats and swimming caps. Beneath them lay pastel-colored dresses adorned with vibrant prints and a tromp-l'œil effect, creating an optical illusion: the dresses featured the outlines of cardigans, shirts, cropped jackets, vests, ties, and belts. Models completed the look with striped swimsuits, adding a playful, original touch to the collection. The show was a shining example of the designer's creative approach to fashion, combining everyday pieces with exquisite details and unusual textures.

The new shoe collection included open-toe sandals with metal heels, distinguished by their original shapes. One heel is shaped like a sailboat, the other like an anchor. Critics have noted that these shoes resemble the fashion equivalent of a Happy Meal, thanks to their resemblance to toys and associations with carefree childhood. This collection is a unique combination of style and playfulness, which makes it attractive to fashion lovers.