No Sole, No Problem
There’s been much ado about the recent Chanel cruise collection. Many are saying it might be their favorite from Blazy yet, myself included. And while Matthieu offered us so much to talk about, callbacks to classic Chanel, Lagerfeld-isms, logomania nods, mermaid chic, or even the Dior newspaper print lookalikes, I know Galliano doesn’t own that print, but let’s be honest, he sort of does.
Unfortunately, even with all these gorgeous, wonderful garments and details, what’s ridden the carbonated bubbles of social media buzz to the top of the glass is the sole-less sandals worn by a few models in the show. I mean, people are really, really feeling something about them. I will say, it didn’t bother me at first. I always expect there to be pushback for something in a runway show. But then it gained momentum, and I felt I could no longer remain quiet.
Frankly, I’m sorry you’re devoid of joy. It’s not for you. Oh my God, did we forget not everything is for you? Have we forgotten that not every single thing that is created is created with you in mind? Beyond even that, have we forgotten some art is created just for the sake of art? I’m sick of tasteless fashion cowards weighing in on clothing. Take your gray sweater set back to the marketing team of an AI startup and be boring if that’s what you love. I get it, you lack imagination. Why does everything have to be rooted in reality? We leave so little room for fun and play. Our art has to be straightforward, our novels cut and dry, and our fashion simple and digestible.
This isn’t even a groundbreaking idea in off the beaten path footwear. Many forget, but Margiela, and being as avant-garde as they are, I appreciate we give the brand more room to play, debuted a pair of tabis called Les Topless for their SS96 season that were, quite literally, heels without a top. The shoe was designed to be fastened to the foot with packing tape. It’s fucking conceptual. Get over yourself.
We have absolutely no stomach for the absurd anymore. We can barely stomach anything interesting. People need to zoom out a bit and think more clearly about what this means for fashion and styling as a whole. What might this shoe usher in? I hope you kept your gladiator sandals, and if you didn’t, then it’s time to buy a pair before everyone else catches on. Sandals and flip flops are here to stay for another summer season. I mean, for some they’re here for every season, but they’re back again for the terminally fashionable.
Blazy has always leaned into the importance of ideas in conversation with clothing. His collections are never overly cerebral, Raf, instead he offers bite sized bits of commentary and whimsy, trompe l’oeil flannels and denim made of leather or tweed suits that are completely sheer.
So could we just chill maybe a little bit? When did you all get so goddamn uptight? It’s clothes. After all, this is the same Chanel that made an imitation candy necklace that sells for upwards of 7,500 dollars. Could we play pretend for a bit? Could we have a little fun in the sun? Or would you prefer to just wear some bleak, sexless rags?