Harrys of London

Bellissima!

THE LATEST TRENDS AND STYLES STRAIGHT FROM MILAN

MILAN, ITALY (Mar. 19, 2007)—In the fashion capital of Italy, buyers from all over the world came to MICAM to see fall/winter ’07/’08 footwear trends. In the lead for women: patent leather and flat boots, with heels shaping up in an ’80s style. For men, updated classics, like lace-ups with rubber soles.

Luciano Padovan is branding his line with a medallion logo on flats. The "dandy" look puts men's wingtip details on a pointy pump with brown and red patent leather. The ’80s infatuation with color shows in a blue velvet D'Orsay platform pump.

Bionda Castana, based in London but manufactured in Italy, is keeping with the market's inclination toward pointy toes. The heels here are the narrowest of stilettos—barely thicker than an eyelash. But made of titanium, they're more than effective at supporting striking uppers of ostrich and woven leather—as well as the stylish woman who dares to wear them.

This is the year of the reptile for women's fashion. Real or embossed, the sinuous patterns are showing up everywhere. Stuart Weitzman crafts pointy pumps in washed boa. At Mario Bologna, patent, the hit of spring '07, is taking on new shapes to extend its popularity to fall. On a sandal and a pump, patent is embossed with a croco texture in gray shading to black, then polished to glossy finish. Yes, these shoes will announce themselves to the room before you do.

Weitzman also showed another hot trend: quilting. The comfy criss-cross look has captured Milan. Weitzman quilted small squares in black patent leather, then showed them as ankle boots, ballet flats and another signature for fall ’07: the flat boot.

Attilio Giusti Leombruni is known for its boots as well as moccasins, so there was a bit of pride in showing a collection so of-the-moment yet true to the company. Patent appeared on a knee-length as well as mid-calf boot with the thinnest slice of micro-heel, just enough to keep the wearer moving forward. Attilio also showed an entire quilted group, including an athletic sport-casual shoe and a handbag.

Duccio del Duca

Duccio Del Duca showed that flat boots can be sexy by creating one model in stretch nappa leather, extending over the knee for a sleek look. Ankle boots were also popular, with ’80s-style geometric lines and cutouts extending down the vamp.

Judging from the women on the sidewalks of Milan, it's cool to be low to the ground. The quintessential look right now is black leggings, cut off at the ankle, topping a pair of flats, plus a flowing or mini-length skirt and a fitted jacket. Bella!

And judging from the halls of MICAM, this look will continue for fall—but with new shapes for toes. The ballet flat will always charm, but the newest flats will offer several toe shapes. Barbara Bui squared off the toes of her flats (in true ballet fashion, they resemble the pointe shoe that enables ballerinas to balance on their toes) and polished them in mirrorlike gold.

The British line Miss L.Fire is known for "dolly toes," a rounded look, says designer Lynsey Hand. But she is also adding an almond toe on her colorful pumps and flats. Gianna Meliani innovated with an argyle-print purple upper for pumps and flats, flecked with gold. The brand is also introducing its first men's line—a sign of more interesting times for the gender that's not quite as obsessed with shoes. The Meliani laceups feature striking burnished metallic uppers as well as more traditional finishes.

Over at Harrys of London, the firm is getting ready for a new generation of male buyers—guys who grew up in sneakers and don't have the patience to break in heavy leather soles. Harrys offers rubber and Vibram soles, but with sophisticated uppers of waxed or polished leather. Even cashmere makes an appearance in a sumptuous slipper.

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