(No, I'm not just pulling your chain here...) VOGUE sent chills up and down my spine with their proclamation that Birkenstocks were making a comeback. I'm not one to say "never would I wear...<enter frightening trend here>" but I'm having a bit of hesitation on this one in particular. Yes, they may be the king of comfort - wide toe box, flat, packed with corked cushioning and minimal effort involved, but this 90's revival is hard to stomach.
The flood gates opened for this fashion faux-pas of the past when Céline's Phoebe Philo sent those fluffed up, furry styles down the runway last year at their Spring 2013 show. Many shrieked at the site of them, while others.. well, others were welcome to the change of pace. I on the other hand was with the many who cringed and was a bit disheartened by the unflattering doubty designer shoes.
So here we are, Birkenstocks are back on the market and even the Olsen's have been caught out and about donning the dreadful things. Vogue editors are claiming these comeback shoes are already a hit in their offices, where their staff have already let the cats out of their bags and have been openly bringing the mannish shoes into daylight.
2.) If you can't handle going full on again with the husky number, go for a slim strap or try a metallic finish.
3.) If you've been hoarding these in the back of your closet, waiting for a revival - now is your time. However, please, dress them up! No casual corner style here.
4.) No chipped toes, bare nails or callused skin on the feet! PEDICURE, PEDICURE, PEDICURE. In order to successfully wear the Birkenstock, you must be properly groomed to perfection.
5.) Opposites attract. A sleek tailored trouser, or a flirty dress are best worn with these brutal babes. As Vogue.com contributor so smartly put it, "There's nothing better than a really pretty dress, with an ugly shoe." - Jane Herman Bishop
The flood gates opened for this fashion faux-pas of the past when Céline's Phoebe Philo sent those fluffed up, furry styles down the runway last year at their Spring 2013 show. Many shrieked at the site of them, while others.. well, others were welcome to the change of pace. I on the other hand was with the many who cringed and was a bit disheartened by the unflattering doubty designer shoes.
So here we are, Birkenstocks are back on the market and even the Olsen's have been caught out and about donning the dreadful things. Vogue editors are claiming these comeback shoes are already a hit in their offices, where their staff have already let the cats out of their bags and have been openly bringing the mannish shoes into daylight.
Kate Moss | Circa 1990 | Photography: Corrine Day
Key things to remember if you're about to try to champion this comeback kid:
1.) At all costs, avoid looking like a hippie. Remember, you can revive a trend as long as you modernize it.
2.) If you can't handle going full on again with the husky number, go for a slim strap or try a metallic finish.
3.) If you've been hoarding these in the back of your closet, waiting for a revival - now is your time. However, please, dress them up! No casual corner style here.
4.) No chipped toes, bare nails or callused skin on the feet! PEDICURE, PEDICURE, PEDICURE. In order to successfully wear the Birkenstock, you must be properly groomed to perfection.
5.) Opposites attract. A sleek tailored trouser, or a flirty dress are best worn with these brutal babes. As Vogue.com contributor so smartly put it, "There's nothing better than a really pretty dress, with an ugly shoe." - Jane Herman Bishop
Let me know how it works out for ya!
You never know - I may be stopping by Dubai Mall tomorrow picking up my second pair of Birkenstocks in my lifetime.. {or maybe not} PS. Did I mention there is a serious DIY to be had for those who dare? I've seen it done here..
xx,
SOURCE: VOGUE.COM | IMAGES: THE MAN REPELLER, GRAZIA, VOGUE.COM