Fashion trends may come and go, but one thing remains the same - my love of footwear. Sure, I love handbags, jewelry, and apparel, but it's always been the shoes that get my heart racing. So it's with great enthusiasm that I visit FNPlatform at MAGIC Market Week twice per year to browse the endless array of shoes, talk trends with the sales reps, discover new brands, and scout emerging trends. For spring and fall 2015, five key footwear trends have emerged from the crowd to dominate the season.
1. Greige Days - Neutrals are rarely big news when it comes to shoes, but this season, the grey-meets-beige color became a recurring theme at the booths I visited. What makes it feel fresh is the addition of embellishments such as studs, buckles, fringe, and animal textures.
Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Pour La Victoire, Koolaburra, and Dumond.
Shop neutral hues:
2. Simple finishes and stylish studs - Raw edges and flat studs made an understatement on ankle boots and pumps, giving footwear a modern edge and a decidedly more sophisticated vibe compared to the aggressive studs and spikes from recent seasons.
Clockwise, from top left: Koolaburra, Michael Antonio, Stephanie Classic, and Michael Antonio.
3. On the Fringe - With the revival of 1970s inspiration, as well as Western influences, fringe is adorning just about everything this spring and fall. Look for fringe to carry over into 2016 as well. It adds tons of flair to suede ankle boots as well as heeled sandals.
Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Stephanie Classic, Lilly's Closet, and Koolaburra.
1. Greige Days - Neutrals are rarely big news when it comes to shoes, but this season, the grey-meets-beige color became a recurring theme at the booths I visited. What makes it feel fresh is the addition of embellishments such as studs, buckles, fringe, and animal textures.
Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Pour La Victoire, Koolaburra, and Dumond.
Shop neutral hues:
2. Simple finishes and stylish studs - Raw edges and flat studs made an understatement on ankle boots and pumps, giving footwear a modern edge and a decidedly more sophisticated vibe compared to the aggressive studs and spikes from recent seasons.
Clockwise, from top left: Koolaburra, Michael Antonio, Stephanie Classic, and Michael Antonio.
3. On the Fringe - With the revival of 1970s inspiration, as well as Western influences, fringe is adorning just about everything this spring and fall. Look for fringe to carry over into 2016 as well. It adds tons of flair to suede ankle boots as well as heeled sandals.
Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Stephanie Classic, Lilly's Closet, and Koolaburra.
Shop fringe footwear:
4. Are You Kitten Me? - Somewhere between vertiginous heels and sensible flats lies the chic and demure kitten heel. A variety of slingbacks, strappy pumps, and rocker-worthy ankle boots got the kitten heel treatment in myriad finishes and textures. Styling note - they're perfect for pairing with dark skinny jeans and pencil skirts.
Clockwise, from top left: Pour La Victoire, Lilly's Closet, Schutz, and Ukies.
Shop kitten heels:
5. Time to Shine - Metallic materials, glitter, and glossy finishes reigned supreme on everything from oxfords and pumps to killer ankle boots.
Clockwise, from top left: Stephanie Classic, Ukies, Lilly's Closet, and Michael Antonio.
Shop metallic shoes:
For more trend info, retail reports, and fashion inspiration, head over to my Facebook page. For more photos and info, see my report on spring 2015 footwear trends and seven key 2016 footwear trends.
Want even more shoe trend inspiration? Browse Aldo, Steve Madden, Topshop, Koolaburra, Michael Antonio, Schutz, and Boohoo for the latest and greatest.
See more 2015 shoe trends: