As Brazil continues to emerge from its economic crisis and shoppers are starting to spend again, women’s fashion footwear trends are channeling some of that same cautious but confident energy.
At Couromoda 2018 in São Paulo, Brazil this week, it was clear white shoes still have staying power, mules and slides aren’t slipping out of the scene anytime soon, and new ways to marry comfort with fashion speak to an increasingly multi-tasked female consumer. Beyond the known, five key trends emerged for the Latin American market for Fall ’18.
All red everything
If there’s one color dominating footwear made in Brazil, it’s quite easily red. The color cropped up everywhere in a vivid, undiluted version of itself, giving even basic ballet silhouettes some punch. Boots from ankle to thigh-high were doused in red, but details and embellishments were kept subdued to let the color speak for itself. Brands thinking ahead and offering what might be the next update to the color, also featured footwear in marsala and mahogany.
Beaucoup blush
Nodding to the more cautious side of things, blush and nude color stories were ever apparent among fashion footwear brands across all price points. From patent leather sneakers in the neutral hue, to sneakers in satin with gold grommets and quilted flats with crystal or gold detailing, treatments were understated without being bland, lending the color story interest.
Velvet crush
Velvet will see its way into Fall ’18 footwear, but it will come in varied textures and new color combinations—often emerging in multiple trends at once. Velvet booties and slingbacks will fall into the red trend story, while slipper slides in brightly colored crushed velvet will energize the look. Look for color-blocked flats in velvet with contrasting piping to bring some boldness to a basic.
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Scads of scales
Be it snakes or crocs, scales are in in a big way in Brazilian footwear. Actual snakeskin will make an appearance in shoes and bags at higher price points, while the mid-market will see more snake-inspired looks and crocodile-effect leather. Sequins will also play their own role as scales, coming differently colored on either side to give the shoe a new look depending on which way the sequins are brushed.
Lurex influx
Lurex knit uppers made their way into the looks and lines of all the leading Brazilian footwear brands for the coming season. Expect to see lurex in gold and bordeaux sock boots, in silver platform sneakers and slip-ons and in kitten or block heel ankle booties. Brands were in agreement that the glittering metallic thread adds the touch of glam that the market is presently seeking.
