Retro & Vintage Shoes » Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang’s High Heel Sandal Inspires A Shopbop Wishlist

Karla Manlangit — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:09:13 +0000

I personally enjoy the sporty, feminine style of the Chloe High Heel Sandals.

Chloe High Heel Sandals, $525, Alexander Wang, Shopbop

From genius designer Alexander Wang who brought us the concept of slouchy, sexy tees and jersey dresses, he once again proves that the combination of imperfection with street fashion is still and truly phenomenal. The mix of the patent leather, Velcro straps and pink suede borders on edgy and modern. It’s a bit reminiscent of the ski booties that are trendy this fall– bold and screams, “activity!” only this shoe is a sandal and sports serious heel at 4.5 inches high.

Needless to say, I was inspired to put a few more items from Shopbop together– kind of like a wish list made out of sporty, flirty and girly elements of the Chloe High Heel Sandals. Think of it as our holiday take on such a gorgeous shoe.

(Clockwise) Shoes: Chloe High Heel Sandal, $525, Alexander Wang Bracelet: Sucre Bracelet, $66, Juliet & Company Top: Reversible Stripe Tank, $94, Enza Costa Bag: Nevis Tote, $195, Anya Hindmarch Bracelet: Bouton de Noel Bracelet, $43, Juliet & Company Book: My Favourite Dress, $49.50, By Gity Monsef, Samantha Erin Safer, and Robert de Niet

Check out Shopbop for more inspiring shoes this holidays!

Alexander Wang Abbey High Heels: A More Glamorous Take on Men’s Fisherman Sandals

Roselle — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:00:44 +0000

Here’s a pair I wouldn’t mind wearing: The Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals.

Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals in Tobacco

These shoes were first presented in Wang’s 2010 Resort Collection.

Alexander Wang Resort Wear 2010

It also comes in flat version, as seen on the 2^nd and 4^th models in the picture above.

At first glance, the Abbey High Heel Sandals may look masculine and perhaps a little ordinary, but these vintage looking shoes are actually sexy to wear.

The pointed toe offsets all the tough looking straps of the shoe, giving it a more feminine appeal. It also makes the legs appear longer. The T-bar detail adds to the sexiness as well.

A close analysis will show us that this pair is actually a cross between fisherman sandals (in its glamorized form), mules, and T-straps.

To illustrate the comparison, here’s a pair of fisherman sandals from Bacco Bucci:

Bacco Bucci CJ Fisherman Sandals, US$159

VS.

Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals in Black

As for the ankle straps on these shoes, I am not entirely crazy about it, but I can live with it. Ankle straps always cut the length of the legs, so these shoes will have to go with short or mini outfits to look good.

Altogether, I would give the Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals a good 8 out of 10.

If you would like a pair of Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals for yourself, you may purchase it at Shopbop.com for US$495.

Mules: Footwear That Goes Back to the 1700s

Roselle — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:39:42 +0000

The mules I am pertaining to in this article do not concern animals. It refers to a type of footwear that has an open back (with no straps or covering on the heel area) but with a closed front. Mules can have heels, platforms, or wedges. Regardless of material and heel type or height, if the shoes are open at the back and closed at the front, it’s basically a pair of mules.

Mules are worn by women, kids, and even men today, and it comes in varied styles that go from casual to dressy:

Rockport Garden casual mules for women

Dressy mules from Stuart Weitzman

Casual mules for men from Naot Footwear

Dressy flat mules for kids from RAGG Kids

You’d be surprised to know that mules go all the way back to the 1700’s. It’s definitely more vintage than most footwear (though not as old as Roman sandals).

Back then, only men and women of class wore mules. Wearing it conveyed a status symbol by implying luxury. Laborers could not wear mules because it was hard to work in such a pair of shoes that would slip off easily. The rich displayed the privilege of not needing to work by showing off their backless shoes.

If you’re curious how 18th century mules looked like, refer to the photo below:

18th century mules for women

Today, people still wear mules more because it is easy to wear rather than for status symbol. Mules were quite hot back in the late 1990’s, but its popularity has simmered down.

This coming spring however, mules are making a comeback. Check out these spring shoes from YSL and Alexander Wang:

YSL Closed Toe Stilleto (Spring 2010)

Alexander Wang Trish Loafer Wedge (Spring 2010)

To stay in trend for spring, check out these ladies’ mules from Zappos.com:

CARLOS by Carlos Santana Funky

Corso Como Simple

Donald J. Pliner Filvi

You can also purchase these options for the special man in your life:

Born Will

Finn Comfort Weimar