Barbara Atkin, VP of Fashion Direction, Holt Renfrew
Strongest Trends:
“The extreme platform and sky-high heel, but also the return of the single sole. Strappy winter shoes that can transition from season to season. The overdesigned statement shoe is still important, and the ankle boot is strong with cutouts.”
“Must-Carry” Styles From Milan:
• Gucci’s thigh-high, long stocking boots
• Burberry Prorsum’s rubber platform hiking boot
• Prada’s single-sole Mary Janes with studding and fringe
Shift in Buying Strategy:
“We are not going to be overly assortive, or as broad as we have been in the past. Rather, we’ll offer the most important DNA from each collection that speaks to our strong point of view.”
Stephanie Solomon, Fashion Director, Bloomingdale’s
Strongest Trends:
“The decorated shoe, over-the-top embellishment with feathers, beads, buckles and nailheads. Shoes are the exclamation point to every outfit, more so than in previous seasons.”
Most Directional Styles:
“The most extraordinary were Prada shoes with feather motifs, also Gucci’s boots and booties.”
“Must-Carry” Styles From Milan:
“For Bloomingdale’s it’s not about any one brand, it’s a look. The look is over-the-knee boots in stretch leather, like a legging — thigh-high!”
