I came. I saw. I conquered. 2012 Shoe Trend Report
I have recently been scouting the shoe shops around Perth, sort of window shopping or lets just say doing some “Market Research”, and have found four commonalities with regards to the shoe trends for 2012.
Here’s the hot list for the 2012 Shoe Trend
1. Sky high Platforms and Wedges
Bring back the 70′s! The wedges that I saw and tried on were sky high, averaging 6 inches high.
This summer, worldwide designers have stepped things up a notch or two by introducing ultra-high styles. I am talking about styles with more than a five inch heel and nearly another inch of platform, bringing back the six inch shoe style.
These are the styles that can make your legs look leaner and longer, but when you go above 2.5-3 inches of heel height you can run into some problems… serious problems.
As I tried them on, I felt like a 6 footer, but other than that I also felt semi-legless.
Going too high if you are not used to it can be a risk in twisting your ankle and spraining it.
If you are going to wear this kind of shoe they are best worn when you do not need to do much walking, or even standing for that matter.
2. Going Gaga over high heels
Many of the shoes designers that have unveiled for spring/summer 2012 are highly stylish. Several styles are walking a fine line between shoe and an artwork.
These must be a big influence of Lady Gaga and her tremendous obsession with new and bizarre things.
I have noticed that most of the shoes have interesting cut out and wrap around effects, which make previous seasons gladiator styles look a little, well.. plain.
Styles with rows of beads or sequins around the ankles, styles with sheer sections and styles decorated with multiple buckles, studs or Swarovski crystals are in this year’s trend.
3. Colour me Happy
I have noticed colours and lots of it! Long gone are the days of shoes with just one colour. The colour block trend which utilizes different contrasting colour sections within the one design is still going strong for 2012.
Frequently bright colors are being used in different sections of the shoe.
For example, a shoe will have a yellow heel, a turquoise toe section, and a purple side.
There are also lots of two tone styles and different variations.
These colours make me smile!
4. Ballet Flats and dancing shoes
Ballet flats is still on trend this year.
The ballerina flat remains one of the shoe fashions that defies time, and is a staple in most women’s wardrobes. This season the ballerina flats you will see will be embellished with ropes, feathers, ruffles and gems.
The materials used are a bit more out there, as I have noticed faux fur and stingray leather have been used more commonly now.
These are the shoes that will stop the world in its tracks for 2012. Will keep you posted for the next season’s trend!
* Disclaimer: These are my predictions and solely my opinion based on what I noticed and have seen in the market, any cravings to go shoe shopping is entirely not the author’s responsibility. Images used are for illustrative purposes only.
