Retro-architectural shapes lead the pack for spring-summer footwear

If next season’s shoes could talk, it would be in multiple languages. The mix of different styles, heels, shapes, colors and skins are a circus of sorts — in the most entertaining way. Gone are the days of the ubiquitous black pump (which I am personally sick of), and is replaced with such spectacular variety fit for every woman’s needs, wants and myriad personalities. Of course, no shoe this gorgeous doesn’t come with a drawback on the side. More often than not, the prettier it looks, the more painful it is to even stand in. So what’s a girl to do but suffer a little, (okay maybe a lot), for fashion?

The absence of the feet-friendly platform was evident in Alex Wang’s bondage shoe, Boy by Band of Outsiders’ multiple-buckled sandals and Marc Jacobs’ sexy mary jane. These pairs are knock-outs, I’m just not so sure one can last dancing in them all night. Same goes for Balenciaga’s hyper-architectural pumps in crazy prints and colors and Prada’s hot rod-inspired sling backs with matching mini-rockets that look like they’ll take off any minute. Still, the uniqueness and individualism that these shoes possess almost make it worth the pain, at least in my opinion. And for women who live for fashion, this is a small price to pay.

Nineties minimalism made a cameo with Calvin Klein in his typically clean palette of a nude pump with a stick-thin heel, which made it au courant. Dries Van Noten’s super-slim straps and Fendi’s wrap-around sandals rode the bandwagon too, lending a breath of fresh air from all the chunky, heavy pairs we’ve seen lately.

Loafers and spectators from Marc Jacobs and Marni, respectively, are still hot, albeit getting a facelift at Peter Som with his platform version. At 3.1.Phillip Lim, hoof-like heeled sandals with clear plastic straps are beautifully shaped, combining a futuristic feel with a hint of retro.

Perhaps my favorites of the bunch are the whimsical pairs from Missoni, Oscar de la Renta and Paul Smith. Floral appliqués with a lucite heel at Missoni is straight out of a fairy tale, de la Renta’s transparent high heeled oxfords are quirky at its finest and Paul Smith’s canary yellow low boots add just the perfect punch of color to an outfit.

Call it schizo, crazy, outrageous, but next season’s shoes will have you looking forward to dressing up your feet once again. I can’t wait.