High-low designer collaborations are nothing new and it seems the most unlikely combinations are popping up everyday. Vivienne Westwood and Nine West? Topshop & Comme des Garcons? Well today, I came across a TRIPLE collaboration – Melissa + Alexander Herchcovitch’s Scarfun boot customised by British supreme stylist and accessories designer Judy Blame. Judy Blame (code name for Chris Barnes) has his fingers in many pies, acting as creative consultant for Comme Des Garcons, fashion editor of i-D, jewellery designer and art director. I always weep a little when I coo over his jewellery in the basement of London concept store Dover Street Market because I love the composition of ‘found objects’ like keys, crosses and skulls all haphazardly strung together.
However, the blunder of this collaboration is well……….the boots themselves. I’m not a big fan of jelly rubber shoes so as cute as Melissa shoes are, the material is just not very practical at all. I would have to wear socks with these boots and then have my feet squirming and sweating in these rubber traps. I’m also on the fence about the shape of the boot with it’s moulded wedge and pointy toe. But the Judy Blame touch just makes them so enticing. If I was being ridiculously frivolous, I could buy them just to have them sit in my wardrobe as fashion oddities. They could be the kind of shoes that if I were to try on, might instantly win me over. All these questions which leaves me with one option – to go into Dover Street Market (Colette, Paris and Opening Ceremony, New York – will also be stocking them) and try them on!
I really can not imagine how one could wear those in real life.
They’re ugly, no matter who makes them. They look like correctional footwear.
^Well…you know me and my affection for all things ugly… ; )
You seem to like the left-of-centre stuff or the unusual and you certainly see beauty in things that other people don’t, but I’ve never seen you wear anything out and out ugly before – but them shoes are plain ‘ole ugly! The only acceptable jelly comes served with ice cream!
…or in the shape of small colourful babies or bears but that’s it.
You’d be suprised, I bought a pair of Melissa shoes a couple of years ago (Esmerelda, Black) even though I was sure they’d kill me… however I’ve been wearing them to parties for years now. Not only have they gained me many compliments, but the material is suprisingly practical. Its tough enough to survive the harsh conditions of a New Zealand party (mine have been worn through ponds and creeks, tramped up some of the highest hills in Auckland and survived a fall halfway down Maungakiekie) as well as being comfortable. The only downside to them is the fact that they show up scuff marks very easily – although the ability to clean them by simply hosing them down completely outweighs this disadvantage (an important feature to the morning after any New Zealand party – or seemingly the ones I go to).
So although the material may seem like an uncomfortable and silly idea – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
(but, upon saying that… I’ll admit I’m not a fan of the Scarfun boot. Not that I’ve tried it. I’ll stick to leather in the boot department thanks)
i just bought a pair of melissa wedge strappys (scarfun summer) also a collaboration with alexander. because of the rubbery texture, theyre incrediably comfortable, good grip on any ground surfaces and practicle. i get complements for them and can’t wait till the hot summer hits london to wear them more often 🙂