itc 3401: January 2009

"Roma Shoes" is the shoes that called 羅馬鞋 in Hong Kong. It was a shoes become a trend in Hong Kong market on 2008 summer. But its name is called Gladiator Sandal instead of having a word of Roma in it. It is a must have one in 2008! It is quite a interesting flow from the Runway to our daily lifes. Glasdiator Sandal is not new to many people, however, spring/summer collection of different brands had created a trend of a lengthy Glasdiator Sandal.

Balenciaga 2008 spring ready-to-wear

Givenchy 2008 spring ready-to-wear

D&G 2008 spring ready-to wear

So, how this product develope? And what will be the next?

This trend was initially noted as a development of the gladiator sandal, extending the leather strap construction up the leg. Zip and front-lace-up constructions are key construction features of this look.

One of the most contemporary takes on this trend came from the Martin Margiela show, where suede sandal boots encased legs, leaving the foot exposed but completely covering the legs from above the ankle to the mid-thigh.

Heeled sandal boots were first profiled on WGSN after street shot coverage of the Paris autumn/winter 2007/08 shows. This new take on the gladiator sandal elevated wearers on block and stiletto heels, with multiple straps stretching over the ankle, or incorporating spats-style panels. This new heeled sandal hinted at a slightly fetish-influenced summer sandal boot.

Heeled sandal boots:The Archieve Inspiration:

Resources : WGSN

And all many fahion magazines had been creating the trend of these hit shoes.

2008 Gladiator in HK

Gladiator sandals 2009

What will be the hot item in 2009?The gladiator is back for Spring/Summer 2009. Although, this year it's a bit more refined, more sleek, and more modern than last season. Designers have perfected the look by making it less bulky, and more contoured to a woman's foot. The new gracious gladiator won't overpower your look, it will enhance it. We like gladiators in neutral shades like tan,gold, and silver.

Resources:http://styleobserver.com/2009/02/10/the-new-gracious-gladiator-sandal/

Gladiator Sandals have battled their way back this year.... Yes - gladiator sandals will be bigger this spring/summer than they were in the summer of 2008. Believe it or not they will be bigger ! So what will be different the gladiator sandal will sport a heavily strapped heeled. You will find the gladiator takes on color this season . Bold colors will make them even more dynamic than ever before.

http://styleobserver.com/2009/02/10/the-new-gracious-gladiator-sandal/