High Fashion Moves from High Heels to High Tops

by Janine Simon

There isn’t one type of female sneaker fiend; we cannot be pigeon holed into one stylistic category. Our personas range from tomboys to girly girls, jocks to beauty pageant princesses and everything that falls in between. Contrary to popular belief, a female fiend can appreciate a milk and honey manicure and pedicure combination just as much as play-off tickets to see her favorite team.

Luckily, a middle ground can be found between high fashion and street fashion. While we may appreciate the designs of sporty street wear fashion, the contributions that high fashion has on our styles cannot be over looked.The high fashion arena offers fabulous clothing (mostly out of the average fiend's price range), but also sneakers that satiate a fiend’s palate. The artistic creations offered by this realm are worth a look.

For starters, the French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, who has become iconic with his signature red bottom design, is now releasing a sneaker for the fall of 2009. This extravagant pair of kicks is enamored in leopard print with a pony-skin finish. If you don’t recognize the name Louboutin initially, scour your memory of rap song lyrics such as Jay-z’s I Know, and you are bound to remember. I have yet to see tennis shoes with as much feminine magnetism as the Louboutins.

Belgian’s own Maison Martin Margiela released his 20th anniversary collection this past Paris fashion week. But what is most exciting, in a fiend’s perspective, is his luxury high top sneaker designed for Spring 2009. This shoe is not only a work of art with its nylon inset cut outs and perforated embellishment, it is a sneaker fashionista’s dream come true. The Maison’s are perfection. They are the ballerina sneaker fiends dream; they simulate the airy, weightless elegance of a dance shoe! Also the colors and fabrics are perfect for spring weather.

Lastly, if you don’t recognize the Louis Vuitton fashion house, you would have to be living under a rock. These damier azur canvas coated sneakers are a great fusion of casual and extravagance. They even come equipped with anatomic insoles that fit perfectly to your foot’s form!

As far as high fashion sneakers are concerned, these three are my favorite pairs as of late. They represent a certain extravagance that is not gaudy, and a luxurious feel that isn’t boastful. Although I can appreciate the trademark quality of a designer, I despise being branded with a company’s emblem. These sneakers are not bombarded with trademark designer logos that give off an impersonal mass produced appeal.

Aside from their sporty tastes, female sneaker fiends can also flaunt their sumptuous sides with high fashion choices such as these. Just when they thought they had us figured out, we leave the speculators in the dust. But if you follow our tracks,maybe you can learn a thing or two. Don’t sleep on the ladies!