Fashion rebooted : The Tribune India

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Nutan Sehgal

Fashion mavens around the world have finally broken the shackles of the past. Today dressing for office has become as important as dressing for a night out. The modern woman wants to spruce up her image with high-street fashion wear and stylish accessories.

The most important accessory being offered this winter is an array of boots, ranging from those made by international brands to those available in the local market. Whether you're looking to spend a little or a lot, a pair of boots looks great. Little wonder that this accessory tops the list of people who follow fashion!

Spoilt for choice

Designers smelling the opportunity are paying attention to boots that are now being considered the ultimate luxury. Leading brands have launched an array of stunning footwear for winter that they are sure will catch the fancy of fashion-conscious people. Besides keeping you warm in winter, these shoes are fashion-flattering as well.

Ranging from calf length to wing-tip types and from ankle boots to knee-high booties and spats, there is a market for all kind of boots, as women ditch those Spartan sandals and try stylish variations to make a fashion statement. The demand is witnessing a rise, as chilly weather has started descending. Whether these are flats, platforms or studded, classy boots are setting the trend-o-meter on fire like never before and becoming a winter wardrobe staple for the trendy.

From almond to round-toe shapes and from square to pointy ones, these boots promise to be in step with your style. Ranging from the androgynous flat boots to the 1970’s slouchy boots to the clog boots of 1980s to the uber-chic wedges and stiletto-to-the-knee boots, these come in a mind-boggling variety in mesmerising styles, colours and dark-to-light shades.

Ample variations

As far as the basic material is concerned, there is an astonishing variety out there. Boots are being made of alligator, calf, lizard, snake, shark and bison skins. Apart from the ubiquitous calf leather, it is the alligator and snake patterns that seem to be especially popular in haute couture circles and are being offered by leading brands of the world.

Walk into any designer-shoe store and you will realize the huge market of boots. With leading luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nine West, Steve Madden, Burberry, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin and a host of others having set up shop in India, there is a variety available now.

These outlets offer a variety of boots, from the basic leather high boots to ankle boots that can be worn with knee-length skirts. There are boots that go over the jeans and also clingy, colourful ones that can be worn with knee-skimming skirts. If you don’t have a set budget, then a must try are Versace leather chain detail boots.

Luxury at a cost

The pricing of shoes can start from a few thousands and go up to lakh. For example, the Prada knee high-wedge boots can set you back by Rs 1.66 lakh or even Burberry’s hand-painted suede peep-toe ankle boots that cost a hefty Rs 1.20 lakh and Gucci’s horse-bit boots that come for Rs 1.03 lakh. There are others that are even more exorbitantly priced.

According to retailers, it is the expensive variety that sells the fastest. Youngsters like to splurge on fashionable accessories that will up their fashion quotient. Moreover, many of these come in limited edition and sell faster because of the same attribute. For example, one of the world’s leading online luxury fashion retailers, Neiman Marcus this season sold out every size of the Christian Louboutin ‘Bianca’ platform pumps, at $775 (Rs 46,500) a pair.

Designers say that if you are planning to buy expensive boots like knee-length suede or ankle-grazing leather ones, then it is imperative to buy those that will complement anything you wear. Otherwise you could be stuck with a pair that does not match any of your clothes and may lie abandoned in your closet unused.

Boots go best with accessories like belts done in embossed lizard, alligator or crocodile skin leather. Add a scarf in a rich colour to this trendy look (pinks and fuchsias are the rage of the day) and you are all set to walk in style.

Right for the party

The chunky heel of this Dart suede boots by Jimmy Choo is made from supple suede and embellished with dual buckles for a rock-and-roll feel. The salon boots with suede upper, leather lining and synthetic sole have an almost four inch heel and an 8.5 inch boot shaft making these a stand-out pair. Price: Rs 83,300

Complementing your style

Treat yourself to something special with these almond-shaped, closed-toe platform wedge booties by American designer Michael Kors. The beauty of these rounded-toe booties is heightened by a four-inch platform heel and four-inch stacked heel. These will add panache to whatever you pair these with. Price: Rs 22,785

Italian delight

Hit the high street with this pair of Geo boots by British-luxury-brand Alexander McQueen. It has a suede upper, decorative buckle at the front and a zip closure. With leather lining, lightly padded insole and leather outsole, this Italian-made pair will make you win many compliments. Price: Rs 33,600

Touch of glamour

This suede ankle boot by the iconic Italian shoe-brand Salvatore Ferragamo has a chain accent that renders a touch of glamour to the shoe. Showcasing signature gold-toned hardware, the grace of these hand-crafted boots is enhanced by a seven-inch shaft, which gives it the required support. Price: Rs 72,500

Always the best

Whatever Italian label Versace does, it becomes an instant trend. The leather-and-chain detail boots are a proof of the same. Featuring an almond-shaped toe, chunky heels, rubber soles, side pull on tabs, gold-toned detailing and embroidery, the stunning boots are made for women who understand style. Price: Rs 1.02 lakh

Red hot

Christian Louboutin’s legendary sole is always in the colour of red nail lacquer. However, in this Belba Bootie, its signature red pops beneath the round-toe silhouette. Its stacked heel is tapered to maintain Louboutin’s sharp-as-ever profile, while the shorter shaft hits at ankle. Price: Rs 69,650

Black magic

This pair of ankle boots in leather with studded detail by French fashion-house Chloe has adjustable front-belt straps and gold-tone hardware. Made of buffed leather, the ankle boots in black have three adjustable straps with pin-buckle closure. There is also a zip closure at inner side for a secure grip and a metal trim at the heel. Price: Rs 81,000

Design wise

Renowned Italian designer Valentino Garavani is known for his opulent designs. This is evident from his signature calfskin-leather booties that have sleek pointy toes. With a four-inch heel and a five-inch shaft, the booties have a metal-buckle closure, raising the wearer’s style quotient by several notches. Price: Rs 91,600

On a new high

This dramatic pair of knee boots by leading American shoe-designer Stuart Weitzman with metal buttons will up your style quotient on any special occasion. The smooth suede and fold-over button-detailed cuff is the USP of the pair and the embellished gold, metal-plated heel spells style. Price: Rs 42,000

Shoe stopper

The tungade-ankle booties from Manolo Blahnik, the Spanish fashion designer and founder of the high-end shoe brand, have a slim heel. The postal red booties have a four-inch heel with suede upper and a fine leather lining.Price: Rs. 74,900

Floral designs

Miu Miu flower short boots have leather upper, leather lining, leather soles, and bold-floral designs in black, white, and red. These have a gunmetal-toned zipper at the heel with red leather pull-tab. The tonal red and black cut-out appliqué make the boots a stylish option for any occasion.Price: Rs 87,000

Check & mate

The elegant almond-toe boot from the iconic British design-house Burberry has the company’s check-print trim and gold-tone clip-lock hardware. These lend a distinct style to polished boots. With its one-inch high heel and side-zip closure, it will add an extra zing to the wearer’s personality. Price: Rs 59,650

Here to stay

Borrowed from the shape of boys’ shoes, the Dolce & Gabbana lace-up ankle boots are polished to give these a lustrous finish and are set on a trendy, chunky sole. The tough and elegant looking boots are made of calfskin leather. These have a one-inch platform heel and a 6.5 inch boot shaft. Price: Rs 66,300

Casual yet chic

This leather knee-high boot by American shoe-designer Steve Madden has a quilted back panel and an asymmetrical side zipper. A 14-inch shaft, and a one-inch high-heel circumference add style to the closed-toe boots. These are chic and make a casual style statement.Price: Rs 13,325

For a snug fit

Step out in style in this pair of Chelsea boots from the house of American designer Marc Jacobs. The boots has a soft-leather upper with twin-gore panels for a snug fit. The leather sole delivers a smooth and confident step. The grosgrain ankle-pull tab and tonal leather seams make the boots look very stylish. Price: Rs 24,000

To keep you warm

These gorgeous casual boots from French-luxury fashion-house Louis Vuitton are crafted in black suede, trimmed with black wool and feature a polished brass buckle and a brass rivet. The interior is fully lined in matching wool, making these an excellent and stylish choice for winter. Price: Rs 49,800

Class act

Prada is for people who have a great sense of fashion. The Italian luxury brand’s footwear is as much in demand as its haute couture collections and perfumes. The stunning up-till-knee wedge boots have a 16.5-inch shaft and 3.5-inch heel with a partial side-zip closure and are clearly made for women who exude class. Price: Rs 1.66 lakh

Luxury redefined

Belgian-born American designer Diane von Furstenberg takes you back to the fashion of 1970s with these tall suede boots that will match with any of your ready-to-wear favourites. The boots have a leather lining and synthetic sole and defines pure luxury. Price: Rs30,000

Being eco-friendly

For women who don’t want to wear animal skin, there are other options available as well. A number of companies like Mohop from America, Good Guys from France, Beyond Skin, Freerangers and Noharm from England and Dinamica from Italy offer boots in faux leather.

All these companies run on the premise that modern consumers want to be fashionable but they don’t want to do it by killing animals. They offer boots at varying price ranges and have found unprecedented success as the footwear is as strong, durable and fashionable as the leather counterparts.

These boots are made from polyethylene and from recycled materials like micro fibres, natural rubber, and synthetic leathers like tyvek, which is used in the making of reinforced envelopes. The soles are made of rubber and plastic and coloured using vegetable dyes.

The faux-suede boots use organic cotton, linen, natural hemp, recycled rubber, and water-based glues. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has also partnered with some footwear-makers to make leather-free sneakers and forward the cause.