Wendy Brandes Jewelry Blog

Never Is the Next New Thing

Never Is the Next New Thing™: Animal-Toe Shoes

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My “Never Is the Next New Thing™” fashion theory states that the most provocative/grating/startling looks — the ones that make you say, “I would NEVER wear that!” — are the ones most likely to become trends, big or small.

I had my own “Never Is the Next New Thing™ fashion moment in July when, three years after giving the side-eye to a pair of cloven-toed Martin Margiela boots, I bought two pairs of animal-toe Vivienne Westwood shoes.

One of my Westwood pairs. Click photo to see the other pair.

Vivienne Westwood introduced this style in 2000. They didn’t register with me then, nor did they after Kirsten Dunst wore a pair to the MTV Video Music Awards in 2005.  As I said in my July post, it was the recent popularity of five-toed Vibram sneakers got me into the right mindset. When I first saw Vibrams on the street, I thought, “NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!” — guaranteeing that I’d fall for the crazy-toed shoe look.

Click to shop for Vibram.

It turns out I’m not the only one with a newly developed appreciation for animal toes. Christian Louboutin has introduced an ultra-luxurious paw shoe that’s been seen on fashion-forward actresses Blake Lively and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Courtesy US Magazine.

I won’t be surprised if I see an inexpensive version hit the likes of Forever 21 and H&M. As for the Louboutin paws, they haven’t claimed the place in my heart once held by fish feet. I’m completely happy with my Westwoods. Speaking of Westwood, you should check out Fashion Pearls of Wisdom. Gorgeous blogger Pearl is a true Westwood enthusiast and expert. She’s the first person I checked with about the year that the Westwood animal-toe shoes debuted. She said, “Spring/summer 2000.” When I double-checked with the Westwood office, sure enough, Pearl was right. Hats off to you, Pearl! Right now, I wonder if Vivienne is looking at the Louboutins in magazines and grumbling, “I did paw shoes LONG ago.” What do you think about that, Pearl?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. I like yours much better, the nail parts scare me. But Jessica Parker has been seen wearing the Westwood or Margiela ones too hasnt she?

  3. Oh if only my feet weren’t missing… a lot of bones. No matter. Soon, everyone will either have kitty feet or Z-rated (high-performance) tyre feet. Or if Lady Gaga does it, both. Rawr!

    Your Westwoods are cool. Very ahead of time, very minimalist.

  4. So I’m on board with your Westwoods, but the vibrams freak me out.. I remember wearing toe socks in middle school and how odd they felt. The Louboutins are tipping a little too far into furry territory for me. I’ll stick with my horse shoe inlay soled boots for now.

  5. Hi my dear!! Fabulous post, I love your Westwoods best and Pearl is such a gorgeous girl, she has a wonderful collection of Viviennes pieces! xxx

  6. I think Westwood did so many things first she must be used to it now. Alexander McQueen did a pair but they were like human shaped toes did you see those? Creepy. I can’t say I like the MMM Tabi boots for myself but I like them on other people and Im still undecided about the CL’s I think its the raised toe bits that Im not too sure about but I think these will grow on me. Its Westwood all the way for me – since I own every singe style of them, what can I say Im a total VW GEEK!!!

  7. Oh no my comment got deleted! Anyway, in brief, I actually have grown to really like them and especially love yours, so femme and dainty yet still very quirky!

  8. i have learned to never say never but after seeing the gray shoes you showed on my nephew it’s a good bet i won’t be following in his footsteps lol
    brett

  9. I won’t say “never,” but I will say “unlikely”—at least for me. I’m not much of a risk-taker. I love them on YOU, though.

    As for the paws, they are freaky and will take some getting used to. I love how OTT they are . . . as long as they stay on other people’s feet.

    I’m boring.

  13. I enjoy the wit of your posts and this one is extra fun to read. And big kudos to your shout out to Pearl- she is a true Westwood enthusiast and one of the first bloggers that comes to mind when I think Dame Westwood.

  15. I loved your Westwood shoes when you first got them and I still do. What do you think of the cloven toes now that animal toes are more popular? Would you wear them?

    Thanks for the introduction to Pearl. I’m trying to imagine Alexander McQueen’s human shaped toes.