National Post (National Edition)

WHEN HIGH FASHION IS A CROC

- LAURA HENSLEY

Unlike the usual sound of heels clicking down the runway, one designer at London Fashion Week this month sent models out in shoes best worn by middle-aged gardening aficionado­s: Crocs.

But these Crocs weren’t the standard, ugly, breathable foam clogs we know and hate. Designer Christophe­r Kane revamped the style in an effort to make them more hip and less hideous, by adding “magic” stone charms. Kane’s look somehow caused people to stop and reconsider the shoe. So does slapping a brand name on convention­ally ugly styles make them en vogue? Or do designers disguise their creative dry spells behind passé fads, tricking us into thinking horrible-looking things, are, in fact, genius? Are we being conned into dressing terribly all in the holy name of “fashion”?!

Take socks and sandals, for example, a look no one with a subscripti­on to InStyle would traditiona­lly be caught dead in. This ensemble is one of my grandpa’s favourites, and as much as I love him, he’s no Karl Lagerfeld. Or is he?

Much to grandpa’s approval, both Prada and Versace men’s spring 2017 collection­s featured the fashion faux paus on the runway. The look has become so socially acceptable among style aficionado­s that even Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been spotted donning socks with their sandals. The tasteless style didn’t change; just the people wearing it did. And designers didn’t even have to design anything.

And just look at denim overalls. What was once a uniform for farmers and railroad workers made its way back into the mainstream in the 1990s. Like most trends from that decade, it was assumed to be long dead. But no! Fashion designers like Ralph Lauren and Chloe have reclaimed the one-piece outfit over the last few years, and took it from reruns of the Fresh Prince of BelAir to street style everywhere.

While it’s difficult to know what “unconventi­onal” look will become trendy next, the best method for predicting seems to pairing the ugliest piece of clothing you’ve ever owned with the trend you most regret trying. Then, add either tassels, lace, zippers or magic stones. Now, you truly have a look that’s runway-bound.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada