MEN’S LOAFERS - SHOES FOR MEN
December 5, 2008 · Print This Article
If you’ve seen Mad Men you know how brilliant it is. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, the Season One DVD was released July 1st, so you can look forward to watching the best epic 10-hour Billy Wilder movie that Billy Wilder never made.
You Heard it Here First: The 60s are Hot Again (Hold the Bryl Cream)
The 1960s-era AMC series “Mad Men” is an addictive cocktail of seduction, smoke, substance and style that makes you crave a martini - shaken, not stirred - and a wardrobe of Jacqueline Kennedy’s Oleg Cassini shift dresses, pearls and pumps.
Thanks to Don Draper, Joan Holloway and the ad agency gang, the Golden Globe winning drama is also causing a stir in the fashion world this fall. Designer Michael Kors cites the show’s Brat Pack style as his runway muse, as does Prada. Bloomingdale’s flagship store in New York unveiled a “Mad Men”-themed display and clothing from the Theory designer line inspired by the series in June.
The show’s style influence isn’t limited to cardigans and wasp-like waists as the summer’s mad for gladiators trend gives way to menswear-inspired footwear and ladylike pumps for fall. Ultra chic and modern, this Miu Miu pump empowers the urban amazon with a “large and in charge” vibe in her intrepid stride. Very boss.
Inspired by the dapper dandies of Sterling Cooper, top-stitching, perforated leather, loafers and wingtips - classic detailing of men’s dress shoes - have been given feminine touches such as high heels, bright colors, open toes and funky details like zippers, buckles and fringe.
Betty, Joan and Peggy, the show’s lovely leading ladies, have renewed our great love of the classic pointy-toe pump. Paired with the season’s more body conscious fashions, you will not walk in these shoes, you will sashay. Looking feminine, polished and even ‘done’ is definitely back.
Diane von Furstenberg’s motto is “feel like a woman; wear a dress”. With fall’s lean toward retro-femininity, ShoeMinx thinks it should be “feel like a woman; wear heels”. But not in a Laura Petrie match-your-shoes-to-your-pocketbook kind of way.
The style of pumps for fall 2008 may take their cue from the past, but the modern rules of dressing still apply. Choosing a shoe in a contrasting color or in the same color family as your outfit is the epitome of sophisticated dressing, so go for a pump in a bright color, pattern or decorative embellishment.
As junior copywriter Peggy proclaims: ”Sex sells!” And nothing says “sex” like the perfect pair of pumps.
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