Shoe Porn Friday: Miu Miu Crystal Sandals
Courtesy of Miu Miu

With all the coats, jumpers and boots we're currently seeing on the catwalks I thought it would be a breath of fresh air to devote this week's Shoe Porn Friday to the complete opposite.

Miu Miu is launching their 'Crystal Sandals' collection for SS12 inspired by marine creatures like the starfish, the sea horse or the crab. The sandals are made of leather soles with finishes of pink crystals, pyrite, amethyst and studs entirely hand-made!

They are the perfect touch to a pair of shorts and a plain t-shirt for your Capri get away. I can already see Beyoncé wearing these while pushing Blue Ivy in her pram this summer.

The sandals will be available at all Miu Miu stores and on MiuMiu.com from March 2012.

Chic or not: The Geriatric Sandal
Style.com

Yesterday, looking through the new collections from Paris, I found this pair of 'classic' flip-flops Stella McCartney included in her SS12 collection. They instantly reminded me of the style of shoe Christopher Kane chose a couple of weeks ago to show his collection in London.
I remember people were commenting on Christopher's shoes after the show. They were slightly confused  as to the reason why they looked like orthopaedic sandals for kids. Personally, though I can't see fashionable people wearing them, I thought they were interesting in the context of the show. They had that Tavi-esque quirkiness to them that doesn't appeal to everyone but is nonetheless intriguing.
Stella McCartney's feel more traditional in comparison. Like those 60's flip-flops your dad had for years and years and your mum made him stop wearing.

What do you think?

GLADIATOR

It has been a while since gladiators made their debut on the runway and, most importantly, on the streets. They were a big hit, specially last Summer, when all kinds of highs and designs appeared everywhere. I have to say I was very fond of Mary-Kate's knee length ones.

This season I was happy to find a very refreshing version. Phillip Lim associated with Tatami Birkenstock (whose models were also spotted on celebrities last year) to create a beautiful collection of über-comfortable and fashionable yet simple gladiators for S/S 2008. The trendiest versions include fringes in suede and patent leather or cheetah prints à la Dell'Acqua'07. Men's follow the more traditional designs but can also be found in the funky cheetah print or this season's red.

women's

men's

While having a look at Lim and Tatami's collaboration I came across two more chic views of the gladiator sandal by Tod's; they add leather in different colours and some metal and plastic to elevate the sandal to an uptown category.

All of them can be found in more colours and meterials and are available online at eLuxury.

What's your opinion on gladiators?

[Pictures credit: eLuxury]

I'm off.