Having grown up in the height of the Kate Moss skinny jean/ballet pump era, the return of the humble flat shoe was a welcome one in my eyes. More so than the low-rise skinny jeans… And I don’t think I’m alone in that. Comfy, clearly timeless and goes with near enough anything – I don’t know why I pushed them aside for so long!
Ballet pumps are the ultimate transition shoe, they transcend trends and seasons. Everyone from Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot to Alexa Chung and Gigi Hadid have been seen wearing this understated, effortlessly cool shoe. Simple yet chic the ballet flat can make any outfit, no matter how casual, look put together and complete.
There’s no doubt that ballet pumps are having a moment right now. I’d go as far as to say they’re in hot contention to be THE shoe of the summer! Let’s face it, we’ve not really seen sandal weather and it’s now the end of August.
However, this new breed of pumps aren’t the classic ballerina’s popular in the 00’s. This time around they come with a twist. Whether it’s Miu Miu’s literal take on the ballet style, to Alaia’s crystal covered Mary Jane’s and Maison Margiela’s split toe Tabis, they now come with that little something extra.
Prim or punky? That is the question for this era of ballet flats. I, of course, tend to lean towards the punky side of things. Hence I found my dream pair in the form of these buckled beauties from Mango – much more in my price range compared to the previous.
Made from real, buttery-soft leather, I’m hoping they last me a few years like my previous pair. Classic black to pair with the majority of my wardrobe and a tough Mary Jane strap. My feet are forever sliding out of slip on shoes so I always have to look for something that will keep them in place. These are a stunning alternative to an ankle strap and much more flattering for my legs too!
Speaking of ballet shoes made me think of the source material – actual ballet dancer’s shoes. It reminded me of an old university project that I just had to share with you as I’m still proud of it to this day. One of my favourite photoshoots, I took my friend Lizzie around London in her ballet shoes and got her to dance in all sorts of locations. It was beautiful to see the elegance of ballet against the urban streets. Take a look…
From getting strange looks on the Tube to accidentally promoting a fragrance to passers by outside Harrods, it was an experience and shoot I will never forget!
