Thursday 18 June 2009

The Re-Reign of the Gladiator!

You may all remember back in January, I put together a blog of how to update your winter wardrobe using key accessories…so I thought it was only fair to do the same now the summer months are upon us.

I’ve decided to focus on one key accessory as they are by far the most exciting fashion statement of the moment and come in so many interesting styles, making them an option for most occasions. The marvel that I talk of is indeed-The Gladiator Sandal.

Worn by many cultures throughout the early ages, these strap cladded wonders are so versatile and are making a comeback this season. They hit the high street big time in 2007 with style icons such as Kate Moss sporting many different pairs and have been in the shadows ever since. However, with this summer’s fashion really showing us how to mix things up, with clashing prints and any shape goes, the gladiator sandal has once again found itself back on the footwear circuit.

Asos.com, like always offers us the best of the best with so much variety in terms of style and cost. One of the combos that we see this time around is a great one; thick leather buckles contrasted against beautiful sequins, studs jewels and stones.



These Blowfish gladiators come in at a very reasonable £49.

Aldo shoes, one of the most popular on the high street, have a whole section named ‘Gladiator Story’ on their website dedicated to this particular style.

Check out their DRYZIN model for fabulous turquoise straps mixed with those chunky stones. Or how about CHISEM for some wrap around animal print leather.


These Carvela wedge heeled gladiators are perfect for that smart summer dress and are the perfect way to tap into the Summer ‘09 Metallic craze.
(£60).

Gold is a highly flattering colour against most skin tones, Sienna Miller looks chic out and about in New York wearing a pair of Gold flat footed ankle gladiator sandals.




And finally if you’re really brave and have got the legs for them, why not follow in the footsteps of Chanel and try knee high ones. STYLE ALERT!!


Ashlee Olsen loves her pair of Black Chanel High Leg Gladiator Sandals, and showing just how versatile Gladiator Sandals are: Ashlee wears them both with a daytime outfit comprising of denim shorts and a shirt, as well as an evening out in combination with a little black mini-dress with a tassled leather handbag.


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Another pair of super-high Gladiators are these Balenciaga's... Rihanna wears hers with a Matthew Williamson top, I'm not sure about the combo, but with a different outfit - they’re quite hot!




I found these AMAZING knee high blue ones from Anna Sui at Net-a-Porter.com. At £420, they are at the higher end of the price range, but I think the colour, the stud detail and even the shape make the money more than worth it.

Gladiator rules:

1. Stick to low strap sandals if your ankle conscious.
2. Knee/calf high ones tend to suit taller, boyish figures as they can shape the legs.
3. If choosing a bright coloured pair, don’t match them with an item of clothing of a similar colour. This season is all about clashing with style, for example the Anna Sui blue beauties above would look so on trend with a Zebra print dress.
4. The Gladiator is ever so versatile so feel free to experiement with what you team them with. However, after having a browse on the streets of London: florals look fab with a studded pair, denim shorts look rock and roll with the knee highs, and you can match a jewelled flat pair with just about anything.
5. They can look cool for day or night wear, but if picking them for an evening outfit, be sure to dress the outfit up in other ways using accessories (try some exotic jewellery or a pretty scarf)


Kate Moss in some simple black Steve Madden Gladiator Sandals which would go with any outfit.

Topshop have some great pairs here at the moment, the ‘Haidee-High gladiator’ fit right in with Kate’s fashion fix and they come in coral as well as black…at £25 each it means you don’t have to choose.

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Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Olsen and Heidi Montag all been spotted rocking the Blue Balenciaga Gladiator Heels whilst Fergie opts for a fire-engine red pair on a night out which have been the subject of many internet "hot or not" debates.




Check out Beyonce’s multicoloured pair…you can grab yourself almost a complete replica from Aldo with their Rosenberger (here) AND they come in two colour ways which is even better. Maybe Beyonce did get hers from there?!



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Images courtesy of and credited to the following websites:

urbanupdater
timeinc.net
Post by Katie Powell, London Fashion PR Exec


Text: Claire Webb

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3 comments:

adrin said...

Nice pictures. Great collection of sandals. What a variety!!! Really amazing.

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emma jacob said...

The shoes are just awesome!!! I like their colors and styles. Heels actually exercise your calves while you walk!!I really love these lot of SALE SHOES type sketches..........

Unknown said...

I wear gladiator sandal with my GUESS Illusion Mesh Bodycon Dress Red. This is my favorite party outfit!