Shoes to dream about in 2024
Just like bags, shoes in 2024 go to extremes—from the ease of ballet flats to the challenge of ankle-threatening platforms. While pandemic habits of being comfortable are still strong, the TikTok generation insists on distinguishing themselves with statement pieces and a more individual style.
With our tropical climate, the trends for flip-flops and peep-toes are most welcome and natural, textured materials like raffia abound, a boon for Filipino manufacturers.
For more dressy looks, ladylike kitten heels and slingbacks are the go-to styles and embellishments in 3D florals and fringes add a punch to minimalist outfits.
Flip-flops
Tsinelas have gone haute with Chanel brandishing its logo on their versions, as have Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta and many others that introduced them in different heel heights.
Locally, Jhaz mixes raffia with patent leather for a natural-meets-polished look while GVN color-blocks them.
Slingbacks and kittens
Both ladylike and sexy, slingbacks are cool on the heels for more elevated outfits. Beatriz Accessories x Tish Sevilla has some stunning ones that feature their artisanal thread-laying technique. They also come in kitten heels to keep you up comfortably all day. Prada makes them angular with bold colors for a more modern silhouette.
Ballerinas
Ballet flats are so versatile to go with all the season’s looks—from shorts to pantsuits or jeans—that almost all the houses have issued them, from Tory Burch’s sandal hybrid to Chanel’s slingback.
Mules
Just as easy to wear are mules, which many designers did in pointy iterations like at Loewe and Alexander McQueen. Annie and Lori makes them in native inabel.
Peep-toes
Better get those pedicures to wear the season’s peep-toes confidently. Be proud of our heritage in the double-strap solihiyas of Inné Studios or go asymmetric with just one toe peeping at Louis Vuitton.
Platforms
You can still go high with the platforms available this year. Sabato de Sarno, the new designer at Gucci, proffered some covetable saddle-bit horse-bit loafers. Lucky Lou has bahay kubo carved wedge sandals while Aishe Fashion has multi-striped ones.
Go sharp
The runways showed the sharpest toes, which is as empowering as one can get. Classic ones were seen at Prada and Saint Laurent, while more edgy versions were at Balenciaga and Acne. Edya has pointy mules in upcycled obi.
Go clear
Transparent heels and uppers make easy matches for outfits of different colors, as seen at Givenchy, Simone Rocha, and Versace. The Philippines’ Tutum Shop makes them luxe with crystal medallions.
Go Roman
The Roman empire’s gladiators seem to be on designers’ minds, as seen in the glittery versions at Gianvito Rossi and the pearl-encrusted iterations at Dior. Tutum Shop and Wear.strut have lighter-looking ones with thin straps.
Go slouchy
The boots for the season have gone the slouchy way. Take a look at Balenciaga and Victoria Beckham or go local with Joco Comendador’s bold, thigh-high metallics.
Go embellished
3D florals and fringes add frisson to footwear, as our cobblers know so well. Joco Comendador’s blooming heels are stunners, while Edya’s fringed pompoms bring joy to the party. Filipino designer Lady San Pedro has butterfly-wing heels that won a prestigious award at the Cinderthriller international design competition.
Preppy
Nostalgia for schoolgirl looks have loafers, lace-ups, and Mary Janes all over the runways. Bristol has many choices to bring you back to grade-school days. GVN does MJs with a double strap in lovely colors.
