THE GILDED SHOES (FOR HER) BY ERIN HAZELTON / August 28, 2013 by Andy Goldsborough

Ever since the moment I laid eyes on Dorothy’s ruby slippers I’ve had an obsession with “fancy” shoes. As a three and four year old kid, I wore one pair of red shoes with everything. It’s true: red shoes go with everything. I had other shoes, but those were the only ones I’d wear. Around age six, I forced my mother to buy me a pair of turquoise loafers that looked like something Madonna would wear. I wore those until the soles came unstitched. At nineteen, I bought my first pair of Manolo Blahnik sandals. They were gold. It’s been downhill from there. When it comes to shoes, I don’t discriminate, but I really, really have a soft spot for gilded shoes. I don’t know what it is about gold shoes in particular, but when you wear them, you feel sexy, elegant…..I don’t know, like you are walking on gold? They make you feel special. And they definitely grab attention. And yes, they can also be tacky….but that’s part of the fun. This season Midas touched a lot of shoes….they are opulent and expensive. Not for the weak of heart….here are a few of my favorites.

Caged crystal bootie by Sergio Rossi

These Golden Butterflies by artist/design icon/sculptress Gabriella Crespi for Sergio Rossi are beyond beautiful!

I don’t think there is a woman who has tried on this incredibly flattering shoe and hasn’t bought it. Three women were wearing different versions of it at my friend Erin Fetherston’s wedding a few months ago….including the bride! Jimmy Choo Lance Wavy Strap Sandal at Bergdorf Goodman

Elegant and simple with just a little flash: Chaos by Manolo Blahnik at Barney’s New York

And sometimes it’s all in the details: Suede Ruffle Pump by Nicholas Kirkwood at Kirna Zabete

Erin Hazelton also at www.thepeopleilike.com

THE GILDED SHOES / July 29, 2013 by Andy Goldsborough

For the Fall / Winter 2013 collections embellishment and high tech materials that shine were on overdrive and fashion design took some key elements from interior design and architecture. Alexandre Mattiussi of Ami combined green suede, black nylon, white mesh and a stripe of metallic blue patent leather to create one of the coolest sneakers of the season. Carven laser cut black leather to create a new version of the classic lace up wingtip. Acne channelled Tony Duquette and marbleized fall with a painterly wash of blues and greens. Marsell transferred art even further onto their lace up shoe with laser cut embossed black leather. And finally Sergio Rossi previewed their Spring / Summer collection with a gold and black knockout that relates to their Gabriella Crespi collaboration (more on that with Erin Hazelton). Here are some of the favorites that combine cutting edge materials, technology and innovation in men’s footwear and a peek into Spring/Summer 2014.

Carven laced laser cut black leather shoe

Marsell laser processed abstract painted laced shoe

Sergio Rossi gold metallic and black leather lace up

http://www.sergiorossi.com/

http://www.amiparis.fr/

http://carven.fr/

http://www.acnestudios.com/

http://www.marsell.it/

GILDED SHOES FOR SPRING / April 28, 2013 by Andy Goldsborough

In anticipation of Tom Sachs: SPACE PROGRAM: MARS Show opening May 16th at the Park Avenue Armory, I’ve spotted a few gilded shoes to get you in the spirit for spring.

Marc Jacobs
Park Gold Metal Heel

Dior Homme

Costume National

Hugo Boss
Embossed Patent Leather Lace Up ‘Everso’

Maison Martin Margiela
Navy blue canvas lace up