Winter 2010 Women’s Footwear Trend

Erin Mullaney, Buying Director, Browns, London
Strongest Trends:
“Footwear trends in Paris have been similar to what we’ve seen in New York and Milan: lots of over-the-knee boots in really nice, tight leathers.”

Most Directional Styles:

* Balenciaga’s girly platforms with ribbons
* Rick Owens’ wedge boots with parachutes in the back
* Laurence Dacade’s platform shoes for Nina Ricci

Shift in Buying Strategy:
“Shoes are playing a big part in our budget; they are one of our fastest growing categories, even with the recession. While other retailers may be cutting their buying by 20 percent to 30 percent, we will stay flat with our shoe buy.”

Susanne Botschen, Head of Buying, Theresa, Mytheresa.com, Munich
Strongest Trends:
“Very high heels, platforms, studded details, suede boots, over-the-knee looks.”

“Must-Carry” Styles from Paris:

* Roger Vivier boots
* YSL wedge booties
* Balmain studded pumps with bows

Ones to Watch:
“Nicholas Kirkwood.”

Bridget Cosgraves, Fashion & Buying Director, Matches, London
“Must-Carry” Styles from Paris:

* Over-the-knee boots from Stella McCartney
* Sneakers from Lanvin
* The Maniac concealed platform at Brian Atwood

Ones to Watch:
“Brian Atwood, in general.”

Shift in Buying Strategy:
“More high boots and buying special.”

Dominic Marcheschi, Co-Owner, Blake, Chicago
Strongest Trends:
“The rich jewel-tone colors, ’80s influences, feminine versions of men’s lace-up shoes to be worn with skirts than trousers & all kinds of boots, from booties to over-the-knee styles.”

Buying Strategy:
“We buy mostly runway styles from the collections, the things that are going to be really exciting & enticing to our customers — nothing basic. right now.”

Roopal Patel, Senior Fashion Director, Bergdorf Goodman
Strongest Trends:

* Over-the-knee, thigh-high boots
* Shine
* Biker boots

Most Directional Styles:
“The over-the-knee leather boot that looks like leggings.”

“Must-Carry” Styles From Milan:

* Prada two-tone velvet boot
* Thigh-high, over-the-knee boots at Gucci
* Caged booties at Bottega Veneta