Fashion mini-roundup: Pricey but practical picks at Ferragamo and French Sole

Two international brands made their mark in Metro Manila in the last days of August. Shoe company French Sole made its Philippine debut with colorful ballet flats, while fashion stalwart Ferragamo unveiled its sleek, if heavy, Fall/Winter 2013 collection.

Sleek, dark, functional

Dictated by the weather they cater to, jackets, capes and coats were mandatory pieces in Ferragamo's men's and women's lines. A reversible leather pea-coat, a rain cape lined with cashmere show the essence of this collection: rich yet functional.

The color palette was also weather-appropriate: dark tones of blue, sheer black and a range of greys, with isolated flashes of color: ice and Ferragamo red.

Fall. Winter. Two seasons alien to the tropical islands of the Philippines. The fabrics are too heavy and impractical even for the coldest climate in the country. However, these pieces can still find home in the closets of the Filipino shopper, especially the Pinoy jetsetter who goes abroad and experiences the biting cold.

“These clothes are really perfect for someone who goes to Europe or other countries during cold months, when an average jacket won’t be enough to keep warm,” said fashion editor Melo Esguerra. “They are good investments considering the materials, design and the label.”

However, there are also pieces like women’s turtlenecks, short skirts and lighter jackets which, when worn as separates, can be Philippine weather-friendly.

The women’s collection is reminiscent of the Mod era with its impeccably tailored basic cuts, while the men’s had overlaying fabrics as the key element. Silhouettes were sleek and clean and the tailoring was absolutely technical.

Shoes were patent leather boots, sandals and pumps in feminine and pointy shapes lit up by metallic details, eyelets and other embellishments.

For the bags, simplicity is redefined. A soft hobo bag is enhanced with leather tassels and accessorized by palladium finished keys and locks; highlighted thin metallic coating makes an otherwise common tote sophisticated.

Innovative, luxurious and technical best describes this collection. The pieces, especially the clothes, are classic, the designs muted enough to make it through fashion calendars and the quality of materials can survive the test of time.

Rising high on flats

Ballet flats have risen to fame in current years. A functional reincarnation of ballet shoes, they are  wardrobe staples for many women—they're fashionable on the feet, and trump high heels when it comes to comfort.

“Ballet flats, or flat shoes, allow the natural position of the feet, therefore it may be more comfortable than the heels,” said St. Luke’s Medical Center orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rommel Fernando. “Also, prolonged wearing of heels [may] injure the muscles, cram the toes and...may lead to pain and spasms.”

Shoe labels worldwide have carried ballet flats as a key style in their collection. But the first brand to revolutionize selling the ballerina flats as a retail concept is French Sole by Jane Winkworth. On August 29, the brand opened its first store in the Philippines at Bonifacio High Street in Global City.

All of French Sole's ballet flats are are handmade in France and Spain and use materials sourced in Europe. The shoes' textures include the snakeskin effect of some and the woven look of others.”

“The patterns used for our brand took three generations of craftsmen to perfect. It takes 23 workers to make one pair,” said the brand's international director Russell Downing.

This may explain why these ballet flats are not easy on the pocket: the starting price point for a pair is P7,000 and can go steeper depending on the material and style.

However, inspecting the interiors of the flats may further convince a buyer to drop the cash: compared to widely available ballet flats, French Sole has built-in, unnoticeable arch support.

“Flat shoes without arch support can hurt your feet. Arch support keeps your feet in the proper position while walking, and proper arch support can help relieve aches and pains,” said Dr. Fernando.

He also recommended switching shoe styles often. “Any pair of shoes can strain the feet when worn excessively; it is best to alternate pairs.”

French Sole's ballet flats also don’t need breaking in, said fashion writer and shoe enthusiast Ingrid Go “Once you wear them, they somehow take the mold of your feet.”

French Sole's price tags may make their ballet flats out of the question for many people, but the extra feature of arch support may make some reconsider. — BM, GMA News

Photos courtesy of Ferragamo and French Sole.