It was also the conclusion industry figures came to when trying to explain why Phoebe Philo’s autumn collection for Céline comprised black bouclé wool cocoon coats (warm); sleeveless, crispy trench coats (practical); long languid shirts (realistic); and gently flared trousers (wintery) that pooled over – flat, strappy sandals.
Sandals? In winter? 36 pairs of confoundingly impractical sandals, to be precise, in a collection where just six looks came with closed-toe shoes. Yes, the point is that many a Céline customer will be travelling to hotter climes this winter – who wants to stay in drizzly London or cloudy Paris or snowy New York in December when St. Barts beckons? But the other is that many of the sandals were worn with insulating leggings and thick, heavy fabrics. Map that against Philo’s track record for predicting exactly what women the world over want to wear and you start to ruminate she could be on to something chic.
Verity Parker, thinks so. “Sandals in the winter always seem that little bit less expected, and therefore add a little edge to even a simple outfit,” says Parker. “They have to have a sturdy sole, just as boots or brogues have – Céline and Balenciaga make the best – but I generally wear mine all through the winter. Jeans, oversized knit and heavy-soled sandals – heaven!” Parker also cites Dr Martens and Birkenstock as more affordably-priced examples of a sturdy winterproof sandal, but counsels: “Never wear them in the rain. No matter what season, wet feet are never stylish.”
No comments: