We caught up with the brand manager from Charles & Keith to ask her what exactly the hottest trends for this summer will be and this what she had to say.
What are the shoe and bag trends this summer?
This summer you’ll be seeing slip-ons, ankle-focused shoes, stacked platforms, lace-up shoes, and shoes with sporty touches. For bags, embroidery and embellishment are a huge trend, as are standout straps and backpacks, boxy bags and drawstring bags.
Pastel sling-back court R1 299
Burgundy sporty sandal R799
Brown espadrille wedge R899
Floral backpack R1249
Red bucket bag R1399
What are the three must-have items for SS 17/18?
A beautiful embroidered bag, an everyday slip-on shoe and novelty bag for special occasions.
Pompom Clutch R1299
Red novelty bag R1149
Webbed mule R829
If you could only buy one handbag which handbag should that be?
A chic tote! Every woman needs a tote – not just a big bag to haul stuff around in, but one that also makes her look polished and professional.
Pink tote R1399
Which pair of shoes should every woman own?
A woman can never have enough shoes! But if you have to pick just one pair, choose nude heels. The colour is versatile and elongates the leg – who wouldn’t want to have longer legs!
Nude Sling-back R829
Nude ankle lace-up heel R799
What are the three colours every woman should have in their wardrobe?
The three must-have colours for shoes and bags this season are grey, pink, and intense, bright shades.
Any advice when buying a new pair of shoes?
- Shop for shoes during the afternoon — your foot naturally expands with use during the day.
- Stand in the shoes first. Press gently on the top of the shoe to make sure you have enough space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This will give your foot enough room to slide forward as you walk. Wiggle your toes to make sure they can move freely.
- Walk around in the shoes to determine how they feel. Is there enough room at the balls of the feet? Do the heels fit snugly, or do they pinch or slip off? Don’t rationalise that the shoes just need to be ‘broken in’. Find shoes that fit from the start.
- Trust your own comfort level rather than a shoe’s size or description. Sizes vary between brands.
What three words would you use to describe the new pieces in your collection?
Unique, feminine, and colourful.