Go Buy Now: Fetish Footwear
One of the things about Fashion Week that people don’t generally discuss is the boredom. It’s not the shows or presentations that we find dull (good or bad, they’re always interesting), but all the waiting gets a bit tedious. When we have to deal the inevitable delays caused by some publicity-hungry "personality" refusing to take her assigned seat, we turn to two forms of self-amusement: The Daily and people watching. Though the former’s front row scoop is always fantastic, it’s really the latter we adore, as observing our fellow attendees is always a highly satisfying pastime. It’s also quite informative: as you might have noticed in our What They Wore: Fashion Week coverage, we spotted several of our favorite tastemakers displaying their inner deviant (shoe-wise, at least)! That’s right, dear readers, it’s time to kink up your heels, because summer’s gladiators have transformed into something slightly more sinister for fall—fetish footwear.
Though we understand that some readers might take one look at these buckle-bedazzled, strap-happy, spike-heeled shoes and decide to skip this style entirely, we promise they’re not as extreme as they seem at first glance. Though seriously tough and sometimes complicated, these shoes give a much-needed edge to the season’s lady-like lace dresses and floral prints. They also look equally sharp when worn with a simple, monochromatic outfit, as Mary-Kate Olsen demonstrated backstage at Rock & Republic’s when she styled her little leather jacket and sleek leggings with a subversive pair of Givenchy sandals (try Steven by Steve Madden’s Ginn Booties
($169.95) for a similar look).
One of the other excellent aspects of this trend is the simple fact that there are so many variations available this season, from the extreme runway versions (like the freakalicious styles at Gareth Pugh or Givenchy’s straightjacket boots) to ultra-wearable contemporary options. Whether you’re ready to unleash your inner dominatrix or are just looking for something to tide you over until the weather warrants over-the-knee boots, we found a fetish-friendly style for you. Just read on for the shopping details!
1. Pour La Victoire Sacha Gladiator Bootie
($314)
One of our favorite shoe brands as of late, Pour La Victoire, made an exceptional tough-girl bootie for fall. Available in gray or black, these four-inch heels have just the right amount of studding and straps for this footwear trend. While wearing them with a body-conscious frock will make you look a wee prostitutesque, they’ll look great with a short, semi-shapeless dress.
2. Givenchy Ankle Bootie ($665)
Some of the season’s best bondage booties and sandals can be attributed to the genius Givenchy. The house’s designer, Riccardo Tisci, is responsible for the marvelous multi-strap shoes recently seen on fashion favorites like Mary-Kate Olsen and Vanessa Traina. These cage-like black patent leather and suede ankle booties are lust inducing and seriously sexy, so wear with caution.
3. Sergio Zelcer Chipper Ankle Boot
($297.95)
One of the simplest versions of this look comes courtesy of Sergio Zelcer. Their Chipper Boot has lots of sex appeal—stiletto heel, wrap-around ankle strap, understated silver buckle—while still remaining chic, thanks to its minimalist design.
4. Steven by Steve Madden Slasssh Booties
($189.95)
The moment we spotted these affordable and trend-accurate peep-toe booties, we knew we had to include them in this Go Buy Now. They’re wild enough to share a name with our favorite member of GnR, but the fetish elements are subtle enough to appeal to people with slightly more conservative personal style.
5. Bebe Alexandra Multi-Strap Pump ($149)
There’s something very prim and very provocative about these peep-toe platform heels from Bebe. We think they look like something a Victorian schoolmarm-turned-imperial-mistress would wear (this is a compliment). Show off their buttoned-up style and wear them with dove gray tights and a mid-length full skirt.
Photo of Mary Kate Olsen, courtesy of Splash News.
Though we understand that some readers might take one look at these buckle-bedazzled, strap-happy, spike-heeled shoes and decide to skip this style entirely, we promise they’re not as extreme as they seem at first glance. Though seriously tough and sometimes complicated, these shoes give a much-needed edge to the season’s lady-like lace dresses and floral prints. They also look equally sharp when worn with a simple, monochromatic outfit, as Mary-Kate Olsen demonstrated backstage at Rock & Republic’s when she styled her little leather jacket and sleek leggings with a subversive pair of Givenchy sandals (try Steven by Steve Madden’s Ginn Booties
One of the other excellent aspects of this trend is the simple fact that there are so many variations available this season, from the extreme runway versions (like the freakalicious styles at Gareth Pugh or Givenchy’s straightjacket boots) to ultra-wearable contemporary options. Whether you’re ready to unleash your inner dominatrix or are just looking for something to tide you over until the weather warrants over-the-knee boots, we found a fetish-friendly style for you. Just read on for the shopping details!
1. Pour La Victoire Sacha Gladiator Bootie
One of our favorite shoe brands as of late, Pour La Victoire, made an exceptional tough-girl bootie for fall. Available in gray or black, these four-inch heels have just the right amount of studding and straps for this footwear trend. While wearing them with a body-conscious frock will make you look a wee prostitutesque, they’ll look great with a short, semi-shapeless dress.
2. Givenchy Ankle Bootie
Some of the season’s best bondage booties and sandals can be attributed to the genius Givenchy. The house’s designer, Riccardo Tisci, is responsible for the marvelous multi-strap shoes recently seen on fashion favorites like Mary-Kate Olsen and Vanessa Traina. These cage-like black patent leather and suede ankle booties are lust inducing and seriously sexy, so wear with caution.
3. Sergio Zelcer Chipper Ankle Boot
One of the simplest versions of this look comes courtesy of Sergio Zelcer. Their Chipper Boot has lots of sex appeal—stiletto heel, wrap-around ankle strap, understated silver buckle—while still remaining chic, thanks to its minimalist design.
4. Steven by Steve Madden Slasssh Booties
The moment we spotted these affordable and trend-accurate peep-toe booties, we knew we had to include them in this Go Buy Now. They’re wild enough to share a name with our favorite member of GnR, but the fetish elements are subtle enough to appeal to people with slightly more conservative personal style.
5. Bebe Alexandra Multi-Strap Pump ($149)
There’s something very prim and very provocative about these peep-toe platform heels from Bebe. We think they look like something a Victorian schoolmarm-turned-imperial-mistress would wear (this is a compliment). Show off their buttoned-up style and wear them with dove gray tights and a mid-length full skirt.
Photo of Mary Kate Olsen, courtesy of Splash News.
GOsh.. they are sooooooooooo hot i wanna buy all!! where to get the Pour la Victorie shoes in Asia like Hong KOng ? i m currently resided in HK.please tell me where i can get those shoes shipped to my country?
Posted by: louisa | 2009-02-21 01:09:21
wow gareth pughs. mmm. does anyone know if you can buy them anywhere ?
Posted by: leanne | 2008-11-23 22:52:05
I'm completely in love with the Bebe Alexandra Multi-Strap Pump! These shoes, while they look very dominatrix, could be paired with just about anything. From a leather bomber to a flirty flowered skirt; they'd look amazing and add a touch of eroticism to any outfit. I will definitely be buying these because at only $149 they're a total steal! Love!
Posted by: Brittany | 2008-10-15 18:56:37
Hello G'night
Posted by: Test | 2008-09-29 19:02:03
I f'ing LOVE this style of shoes. I will be wearing stuff like this non-stop of fall and winter. THANK YOU for this article!! I also love MK's black pony Givenchy's, and i'll be looking into getting the black wedge peep-toe strappy ones as well. BTW I just bought the Givenchy 'Birdcage' booties(#2) and they are TO DIE FOR! My boyfriend even loves them!
Posted by: Lindsie | 2008-09-18 16:39:08
my blog ...>...* fashionchalet.blogspot.com *...<... Very cool, I love "Ugly/Pretty" shoes. They add a certain essence of fun to the overall look! :)
Posted by: Fashion Chalet | 2008-09-18 09:59:38
HOT!! I'm already 5'10. I'm going to be an absolute giant in these!! Lol
Posted by: Reesie | 2008-09-18 07:33:42
love love love these... especially mk's... of course the gareth pugh ones are weird; thats gareth pugh. i think theyre so easy to wear: theyre strappy so they stay on your foot and are easy to walk in, and they bring a look right up to date..
Posted by: Corinne | 2008-09-17 15:52:47
people have said that they love these but don't dare to wear. well i absolutely love these and would definitely wear em
Posted by: dena | 2008-09-17 10:27:56
I would kill these shoes, but i have tiny tiny feet(European size 33). Any ideas on where to get those in smaller sizes??
Posted by: Bri | 2008-09-16 23:43:02
Each one of these picks is too cool for school!! Very gutsy choices. As I always say, the only real fashion statements are the ones that push the envelope, and these do just that. And to everyone that is hating, keep shopping at nordstrom rack, because after all, today's controversy is tomorrow's norm.
Posted by: quilty | 2008-09-16 20:03:52
I am LOVING these, paired with the right outfits. Uber hot and actually pretty practical.
Posted by: C | 2008-09-16 19:48:40
I love love love these shoes!!! :D
Posted by: Janis | 2008-09-16 14:43:44
To Rose. I have seen women where these shoes. Actually, I saw a woman wearing the Givenchy shoes on a french street fashion website. So there are people who would wear them.
Posted by: Champagne | 2008-09-16 14:42:42
i personally think these shoes are digusting.
Posted by: alina | 2008-09-16 13:33:42
Its fun to see how edgy people can get with their style. These shoes are not for me, but I can appreciate the fact that they are daring and raise question...on the runways or on the streets. Its incredible to see how people who are not concerned with fashion and style think that fashion is more or less self absorption, and that is it. Fashion is associated with shallow, narcissistic shopaholics. I think those who are into fashion and style are people who appreciate and are inspired by art and culture. We take what we see on the runways (a living museum of sorts) and turn it into something that works for us day to day. We create and re-create certain looks inspired by color, texture, and season. We tromp down the street showing off our representation of what we see and how it reflects who we are. Who we are is constantly changing and is being challenged by the world outside. Let the world influence you and see how you influence the world. **Get inspired by other people and wear your art! http://luvvy-luvvy.blogspot.com/
Posted by: LuVvy | 2008-09-16 12:29:14
This is a good example of an item I love when other people have them but wouldn't dear to wear them myself! They look amazing when done right. I like that it gives a little edge.
Posted by: Helena | 2008-09-16 11:57:00
fab! so sexy!
Posted by: loveMaegan.com | 2008-09-16 11:28:34
Love, love, love!!!! www.shinylittlethings.com
Posted by: julie | 2008-09-16 11:05:59
I love these shoes!
Posted by: Mimi | 2008-09-16 10:12:26
i love all of them! except the ones worn by the model..those are so weird.
Posted by: lianna | 2008-09-16 09:47:12
I adore this post!! I loved this summer's gladiator heels and I love booties for the fall. These fetish footwear are no exception. I love the Givenchy pair Mary-Kate's wearing at Rock & Republic so thank you for the Steve Madden a la Givenchy suggestion.
Posted by: stephanie | 2008-09-16 08:21:40
Gareth Pugh is a genius, and these shoes are gorgeous. Confidence, people, confidence--and this look is a piece of cake.
Posted by: Aitch | 2008-09-16 06:22:43
these shoes turn me off. they look like a dominatrix gone wrong. the gareth pugh ones? give me a break. how could anyone be expected to wear something like that? and the givenchy ones? hideous.
Posted by: rose | 2008-09-16 05:09:58
I adore those Givenchy shoes Mary-Kate is wearing; I have loved them for so long especially the light-blue ponyskin versions Carine Roitfeld wore a while back! I 100% agree with you on these "fetish" footwear choices. Ankle booties are also becoming quite unique for Fall-I'm currently obsessing over these platform-suede wedge YSL booties with a huge dip in the wedge-heel. Paired w/black lace for Fall + opaques=tres chic!
Posted by: Jessica | 2008-09-16 00:12:14