The sandals you need in your closet this season
The sandals you need in your closet this season
Florentine footwear label AQUAZZURA reveals its elegant take on the classic gladiator sandal, ensuring its status as an SS21 closet essential
When it comes to shoes, few have as storied a history as the gladiator sandal. Despite, or perhaps because of, its relatively simple design – although over the years, some designers have been known to push this blueprint to the limits – these sandals have endured over millennia while enjoying bursts of immense popularity. Some of the earliest-known references are found in classical Greek art, with the gods and goddesses often depicted in lace-up sandals – an early indicator that this iconic style implied great status.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that gladiator sandals were embraced by the world of high fashion. Then some 40 years later, during the aughts, they became a regular fixture on the feet of arbiters of taste, including supermodel Kate Moss, before becoming a bona fide closet essential. In the years since, gladiator sandals have seemingly been usurped by other styles such as pool slides and more technical designs – however, for SS21 they’ve made a most welcome return. Why now? Expert shoemaker Edgardo Osorio, the Colombian-born design virtuoso behind Florence-based brand Aquazzura, has made the eternal style the focal point of his chic, luxurious and decidedly wearable SS21 collection.
Inspired by the joy, color and dynamism of his hometown of Cartagena, and – most potently – the concept of escapism (at a time when reality is rather hard to bear), Osorio’s latest designs were made to bring joy to every woman who wears them. As ever, he combines exquisite craftsmanship with a contemporary sensibility. These butter-soft leather sandals strike the perfect balance between chic and comfortable, a tension that has been at the heart of Aquazzura since the label was founded in 2011. Unlike previous iterations, Osorio’s interpretation of the gladiator sandal doesn’t depend on novelty or exaggerated proportions; in fact, his are instantly recognizable thanks to their clean lines and graphic design. These shoes, cast in a spectrum of colors, make the perfect finishing touch to any spring/summer look.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that gladiator sandals were embraced by the world of high fashion. Then some 40 years later, they became a regular fixture on the feet of arbiters of taste, including supermodel Kate Moss, before becoming a bona fide closet essential
Consider Aquazzura’s bright white and classic tan sandals the perfect accompaniment to everything from blue denim to oversized tailoring. Of course, if you want to ensure they get the attention they deserve, style yours with hemlines ranging from midi to mini. Elsewhere, Aquazzura’s more ornate golden gladiator sandals are an effortless way to add an air of elegance to lightweight linens or enliven all-black outfits. Eye-catching yet versatile enough to wear with every outfit in your closet, they’ll also prove to be a suitcase essential no matter where you’re jetting off to – especially when destination weddings and far-flung vacations are back on the agenda. For now, however, they’re a sure-fire way to make picnics in the park, strolls around your neighborhood and your return-to-work look infinitely more stylish.
These shoes, cast in a spectrum of colors, make the perfect finishing touch to any spring/summer look… To ensure they get the attention they deserve, style yours with hemlines ranging from midi to mini
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