Seventies-inspired wedges are back
Drown in your clothes. Don’t get your pants hemmed. Wear sleeves that hide your hands. Show no shape at all. These seem to be the fashion rules of the moment, all in the spirit of fashionkind’s neverending man-repelling crusade. Street style photos from last fashion week show women swimming in fabric. Some pulled it off, while others looked like they shrunk mid-Valentino. Everything from jackets, to sweaters, to skirts and pants are oversized. If you’re wondering what shoes go with this trend, Charles & Keith has the answer.
This “oversized” trend and obsession with length and fluidity is a nod to the ever-inspiring ‘70s, the decade that also influenced Charles & Keith’s latest collection of shoes, bags and accessories. Calling it “contemporary nostalgia,” the brand revives the mood of unforgotten eras that have strongly influenced fashion today. The idea is to wear contrasting elements — the unexpected.
Reworked details are seen on wedge sandals, heels, and mini backpacks, while Asian style is reflected on oversized knot sliders, cross-strap weave sandals, and tie-knot details on clutch bags.
Seventies daywear is updated with mule loafers, buckle detail clogs, oversized drawstring bags in camel, sandstorm and neutral tones. For childlike contrasts, old video games inspire vibrant platform sandals and lace-up tennis sneakers. Wedge sandals are decorated with functional gold studs that give it a retro twist.
“The nostalgic look needs to be updated so it appears more stylish. I think the ‘70s is a great decade in fashion, because women can play with accessories, from the shoes to the belt, to the bags,” says Arlene Scherway, Charles & Keith regional manager for Asia Pacific.
According to Scherway, classic ‘70s-inspired clogs can be worn with flared pants or shorts, with a cropped shirt. Platforms should not be worn with plain jeans — to get the look, wear it with a denim mini skirt. For flats, wear with shorts or a maxi skirt. “Keep your tops cropped or very close to your body to keep the look feminine,” she says.
“Today, the woman wants to be on trend but at the same time have affordable options. A woman cannot survive with one pair shoes — we need a lot of shoes to wear with a lot of clothes, and that’s what they’ll find in our stores,” she explains.
Fong Shee Beng, executive director of Charles & Keith, adds, “We are like any fast-fashion brand. We move very fast. We come out with 15 to 20 new designs every week. Every week there are new arrivals in the store.”
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Charles & Keith is located at SM City Masinag, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Cebu, Abreeza Mall, SM Iloilo, SM Southmall, Greenbelt 5, Glorietta 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, Lucky Chinatown, Robinsons Place Manila, SM San Lazaro, SM Manila, Harbor Point, SM Pampanga, Newport City, SM Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA, Eastwood Mall, TriNoma, Ayala Fairview Terraces, The Shops Greenhills, SM Aura, and Bonifacio High Street.
