Bold and feminine: the free spirit of the summer of 2022

And, thus, the shoes adapt: colourful, with sculpted or platform heels, or flats with rounded and comfortable soles

[On the cover: Ermanno Scervino, Lanvin, Alberta Ferretti SS2022 fashion shows]

Femininity and sensuality do not pave the way for a return to frivolity, but instead signal a way to regain those habits, the pleasures, and sensations that the pandemic took away for almost a year and a half. From the Milan and Paris fashion weeks for Spring/Summer 2022 everything is about a return to the glitter and sexiness of the early years of the millennium, after the minimalism of the nineties. An ode to beauty and the freedom to go back to wearing mini and micro skirts, tops, corsets, and bras in plain sight, – even under jackets – transparent pieces and lace, and the freedom to show off dresses with necklines, slits and cut outs, as well as low-waisted shorts. All with a good dose of fluorescent and vibrant colours: neon yellow, acid green, electric blue, and fuchsia, as an alternative to pastel shades. How could shoes follow this trend, if not by raising heels and platforms, after so many months of slippers and sneakers? Of course, the mood for next summer is not only ultra-feminine, the flip side is the sporty street style that goes hand in hand with super comfortable flat sandals, beach slippers even for the city, clogs, and, of course, sneakers.

Heels and details

Stiletto heels, chiselled or shaped, are little sculptures that support the leg. Models range from minimal sandals with thin straps wrapping around the ankle, to uppers with vinyl details that play on transparency, or crafting weaves with crochet effect or Vienna straw, to accommodate a look composed totally of crochet. Feather or stone decorations make the models for next summer even more feminine. On the catwalks there were also fringed boots and high-heeled over-the-knee boots in denim.

Dove Nuotano Gli Squali

Platforms and wedges

The through line of next summer are platforms in painted wood or wedges covered in leather, supported by high, solid heels. A constant for sandals, flip flops, closed-toe shoes, and moccasins. Despite the optical effect, the soles’ materials are light. The clogs are finished with uppers in leather or fabric, intertwined or decorated, clouds of tulle and fluffy flowers.

Antonio Barbato Maestri Veneziani

Moda Di Fausto

Super flat and comfortable

For a more urban, everyday style, we take off our heels and choose flat models: gladiator sandals that go up to the knee or laces that are tied at the ankle, mules with crossed bands, light and unlined moccasins, beach slippers to be used in the city, slip-ons with rope soles and, of course, the coloured sneakers that, even if they have been a bit lost on the catwalks, will not be neglected by young people and trainer lovers in a contemporary version.