Gladiator Sandals for Summer 2008
How to Wear the Must-Have Shoes of the Season
With a wealth of celebrities supporting this women's footwear trend, the gladiator sandal is fast becoming the must-have shoe of the season.
In keeping with the Greco-Roman theme that emerged on last year’s runways, there has been “an undiminished appetite” for Roman sandals and gladiator boots “both on the high-street and the catwalk”, according to the Telegraph of 6 April 2008, in their article "Grecian 2008."
Gladiator-toting celebrities such as Mischa Barton, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jessica Alba and Hilary Duff have also played their part in making gladiators a hot item this summer. In fact, according to the Australian magazine Shop Til You Drop, February 2008 edition, "almost every famous name in Hollywood has been spotted wearing gladiators.......from chunky platform heels to casual criss-cross flats."
On the subject of gladiators, online upmarket retailer Net-a-porter warns to “Prepare for a full-scale invasion” in its recent magazine article “Sole Searching”. According to Net-a-porter, gladiators “exude boho appeal and no vacation look is complete without a pair this season.”
Gladiator Sandals
Hailed as one of the least flattering shoe trends of 2007, 2008 sees a new twist on the gladiator theme with more elegant and intricate detailing. Delicate straps and embellishments and more feminine styling make them more versatile, such as Bottega Veneta’s Lotus Platino sandal. Just one look at Yves Saint Laurent elegant Saint Tropez gladiator sandals is enough to convert those who are not big supporters of the trend.
Part of the opposition to last year's trend was the ability of the tough bondage-style sandals to be less than flattering, unless you were as tall as a runway model and had the legs to match. Despite this, according to the Telegraph, “ Balenciaga, Gaultier and Givenchy have sent out increasingly ferocious-looking versions – including some expensively elaborate, knee-high designs."
Gladiator Boots
Heavy-duty styles have come onboard for Summer with gladiator boots and chunky platform versions. D&G’s Leather Tall Calf Sandals look as if they have just stepped out from the movie set of Spartacus. The Shoe Goddess.net describes these as “extremely ugly” but praises a more feminine version from Jean Paul Gaultier, the ornate Calf Leather Gladiator. Even more Amazonian, resembling a pair of biker boots, is the Marc Jacobs Gladiator boot, sure to be a hit with the Harley set.
This year, women's shoe designers have capitalized on the gladiator theme by providing more than enough choice. There are styles aplenty hitting the high-street , so even the most reticent of fashionistas can dip their toe into the trend. Instead of wearing thin-strapped thongs, strappy gladiator versions are fast replacing them as the summer shoe of the season. There are even gladiator jelly shoes!
What to Wear With Gladiator Sandals
- A pedicure is an essential accompaniment to any gladiator sandal.
- More feminine styles have greater versatility and can be work with summer dresses and this season’s drapey Grecian gowns. Also pair them with floaty smocks and slim-fit jeans, or summer shorts and caftans for the beach.
- Chunky, more masculine styles look great with jeans, or mini dresses and shorts, providing you have the legs for them.
- Metallic or more intricate, embellished gladiators will take you from beach to bar, such as the turquoise studded Canyon gladiators from Ruthie Davis.
- Short frames with chunky legs should steer clear of the more heavy duty sandals and boots and go for something more delicate and feminine. Neutrals such as browns and blacks also have the effect of making legs look thicker. Go for metallics to slim them down.
Gladiators – The Latest Look
The fastest way to be right on trend this season is to be seen wearing a pair of gladiators. However, before you unwittingly become a fashion victim, choose wisely. Make sure you buy a style that is flattering to your body shape, serving to elongate your legs rather than shorten them.
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