Weeks before Marc Jacobs sent Lady Gaga and Kendall Jenner down his Fall ’16 runway dressed in platform granny boots, exhibitors at GDS (Feb. 10-12) had a statement to make of their own with gothic-inspired footwear.
And it couldn’t have been better timed. Now that Rihanna made creepers a streetwear staple with a waiting list, dark and edgy types need a new shoe to keep them grounded.
For Fall ’16, fashion, comfort and boot brands are culling inspiration from menswear, haute couture and London’s underground punk scene to create literal Frankenstein footwear.
The new styles are bulbous with smooth platform and wedge outsoles, lug soles or chunky ’90s-era heels. Crinkled metallic uppers, mixed media, 3-D floral embellishments and decadent matte sequins add a sense of magic and mystery. Meanwhile, classic shapes like loafers and oxfords help keep the look wearable and approachable.