Tendenza Scarpe – Women's Shoes Winter 2007 – Milan goes ultra flat!

Much to my dismay, flats and platforms are back. Not just flats but ultra flats are parading around the world’s fashion capital. I know that for many ladies that have problems with heels this is a welcomed change but I cannot change my nature, I have a passion for spikes. Future tendencies for the spring and summer 2007 continue with the platform. Sorry ladies, since I cannot write about what I do not like, that is all I can say about the flats or platforms.

I wandered down via della Spiga, barely glancing at the store windows as I passed. I was about to turn onto the street of my destination I noticed the Salvatore Ferragamo store and my disappointment departed. Sure, the store had the classical ballerina and wedges but spiked half boots were also visible. Time would not permit a closer look but, there was hope that I would not have to support a fall and winter of flats and wedges. I do not know what it is but I find heels do marvelous things for a woman’s look. After all it was Raffaella’s spikes that I first noticed ten years ago.

During the periods of the flats Raffaella has two fallback solutions to wait out the change in times, Pollini and Bruno Magli. Even on these stalwarts of style and grace the heels are tending heavier. Both designers have traditionally kept elegant heeled, semi-heeled and flats. So as this period of famine progresses, check these out. Bruno Magli incorporates a velvet-like cloth, usually two-tones in luxurious earthy colors, together with a leather base. My favorite is the calf high boot with spiked heels and fur overlay on the calf tied in the middle by a wide leather belt and ostentatious buckle. Perhaps the lace neck boot with leather shoe is also sexy but I would have to see it with the appropriate outfit. Sure it is unusual, unusual is good, but choosing the correct dress will take some time.
Pollini, has been in Milan forever, and is well known by the locals. The store keeps a line of classical shoes no matter what the rest of the world is doing. This year’s selection is no different. The décolleté, half boots and boots are all of both soft leather and cloth and they are spikes.

Fabiani, a smaller producer from Central Italy, put together some really interesting combinations. Everything in spikes but it was the velvet–leather mix and the embroidered designs that caught my attention. I am not sure how widely Fabiani is distributed outside of Italy. For the most part I think I like this line generally better than the others although the are a few models in each line that are really nice.
The moral of this adventure in fashion is that no matter how things look on the surface check out the lines you liked from previous years. They may take you down the road to find something that really fits your personality. Remember, Fashion is all about you and what you like, not what the designers say you will like.

Tags: Winter Fashion Italian Shoes Fashion Travel Italy