Summer highs

Shoe designers and manufacturers have created some real scene-stealers this summer, as fashion writer Jude Hathaway reports.

The brightest stars of women's summer fashion have to be the shoes.

Even the most sensible have a spark that brings them closer to the "must-have" than the "they'll-do" basket.

It's a season of design ingenuity, of colour and of choice that ranges from cute ballet-pump styles through every type of sandal.

Hybrids come in stronger than ever.

These take in the ubiquitous tennis shoe, which has been transformed into a right little fashion item, turning up in all sorts of metallic coatings with practical cotton laces replaced by velvet ties or zips.

Added sophistication for both tennis shoes and the good old jandal come in the heeled models - which has probably jeopardised the "no jandals" policy of restaurants and pubs, where they still exist.

And talking of heels, there is nothing more deserving of special kudos in this buoyant summer scene than the spectacular high-heel styles.

These range from platforms and wedges to high-altitude designs, including sturdier "post" styles to the ever-fierce stilettos. They're of a type that surely prompted Marilyn Monroe's quote of more than half a century ago: "I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot".

Ava Collins, at her I Love Paris store, in Dunedin, proves that medium-height heels can be as glamorous and fashion-forward as their higher cousins.

Dressy patent sling-back T-bar sandals with block heels have a '60s retro feel, while the '70s are revisited in cork platforms.

A ladylike aesthetic is captured in the high-heeled lace-up styles while fresh colours include muted blues, greens and grapes.

Some styles are two-toned.

At Mi Piaci - which concentrates on high-fashion glam footwear, including seriously high heels - manager Maria Zaini points to the wide ankle straps as a significant design feature.

"Buckles are also big, appearing as a design detail rather than for any practical reason. Back zips on shoes are another design element, while metallic and patent finishes give an immediate dressy look."

Toe-peepers take their place alongside the sandal styles.

A couple of doors along at Mi Piaci's sister store Overland yet another summer story has evolved in its signature Isabella Anselmi range.

"High heels are big across all age groups," says sales consultant Maryann van Dorp.

"This season is noticeable for the platform styles showing off this feature through colour contrast. Colours range from nude through to bright oranges and pinks while black is also strong."

So go on, reach high this summer.

 

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Walking tall
Don't kill the look. Nothing is more wrong than a stunning pair of high heels on a beautiful set of legs while the wearer totters and teeters along pathetically or clumps around like a toddler in a tantrum.

This is back, leg and foot-pain territory.

Of course shoes have to be well designed and fit correctly, especially those with killer heels.

But from there on in it's a case of good posture and muscle power - some gyms in the United States even offer 45-minute "Stiletto Strength" classes that work on women's legs and calves.

Specific exercises can also strengthen the feet, which is why dancers handle heels so well.

Like riding a bike it takes practice.

There will be falls, but success comes with perseverance.

Use the traditional walking alignment of head and shoulders level, chin tucked in, ears in line with shoulders.

Chest should be firmly forward but not stuck out and tummy should be actively pulled in.

The spinal curves are neutral, as for standing, and pelvis and hip bones pretty much level.

Take even strides and use heel and toe action.

Immediately the shoes are on, give the body a chance to reposition itself.

When walking land first on the heel and immediately transfer the weight to the ball, which pushes the body forward and creates the next step.

In her book How To Walk In High Heels Camilla Morton advises: "Imagine with each step that the body is being pulled forward. Walk as if on a tightrope, straight and tall - and allow the hips to move first".

Among her gems for beginners she suggests practising walking in stilettos pushing a trolley down the aisles of a supermarket.

Good thinking!

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