Throwback Thursday — London!
London, UK
February ‘24 Retail Roundup — London
Better late than never! Back in March, we visited London for some Spring ‘25 development meetings and managed to squeeze in a bit of hurried trend spotting. While it’s taken us a while to share these pictures, reflecting on our cool and misty days in London seems perfect as we endure the hottest June on record, braving New York’s public transportation — futile efforts to stay unsweaty. So, here's a refreshing throwback to those misty, breezy days in London — just what the fashion doctor ordered.
The Pointed Toe…
In sharp contrast to the soft, rounded-toe styles that have dominated spring and summer with delicate ballet flats and classic loafers, pointed-toe shoes are reemerging as autumn's footwear style of choice. Definitely giving a hybrid of ‘90s and early 2000’s. Not a terrible idea to google vintage Sigerson Morrison, Prada and Maud Frizon!
The Birk Look…
It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Fashion has always embraced turning "ugly" items into coveted pieces — consider dad sneakers and fisherman sandals. Birkenstocks have always played a part in this game of ‘cool-ugly,’ and now the double strap Birkenstock dupe trend is making space for the Boston Clog. These simple slides have gradually become staples with many fashion aficionados who sport them with chunky socks . Now, you can find Birkenstock on luxury sites like Net-a-Porter, and they’ve teamed up with brands like Manolo Blahnik, which is both surprising and ingenious. Check out these more pocket friendly version and think about adding this look to your collection in a way that shouts differentiation.
Rock the Boat Shoes…
There are certain timeless preppy staples we’ve continued to enjoy over the years, such as oxford button-downs, French stripe boat neck shirts, and cable-knit sweaters. However, decades later, I find myself shopping for boat shoes — a style so closely linked with a specific type of East Coast snootiness that I never imagined I would find them appealing. However, with the below updates — chunky outsoles, candy colored metallics — this trend has us rethinking our distaste for them.
The Loafer Update…
POV: no shoe is more deserving of a spot in your spring wardrobe than penny loafers. Combining the sturdy sole of a boot with the ease of wear of a ballet flat, these iconic shoes offer both functionality and versatile style perfect for spring. There are endless refreshing iterations of this closet staple. Silver leather, heeled options, fresh hardware, kiltie details, and a softer more feminine deconstructed option keep this train moving.
Go Fisherman…
Whether you love them or loathe them, fisherman sandals are here to stay. Often, we judge the staying power of a brand based on how versatile the look is when paired with today’s apparel trends. Given that these sandals look just as awesome with flowy linen shorts, a vintage looking micro floral dress, culottes, khakis, and even baggy jeans… yep this trend is staying put.
The Gladiators…
We’ll admit it: Gladiator sandals feel dated. That's because we wore them ad nauseam in the early 2010s. We wore them so much — because they looked so good! Somehow, they make the wearer feel both stoic and stylish, which is why we recommend doubling down on this trend. We have yet to meet a gladiator sandal that hasn’t gone on to reorder status.
To capitalize on their commercial appeal, offer gladiator sandals in an array of heel heights and upper silhouettes: Ensuring that the consumer has a reason to buy twice. We also love the hybrid of gladiator and fisherman as pictured below.
