Title: The Rise of Ugly Shoe Collaborations in Fashion
In the world of fashion, the line between what is considered stylish and what is deemed ugly has always been blurred. From chunky dad sneakers to fur-lined loafers, designers have long been enamored by the “ugly shoe.” However, in recent years, a new trend has emerged – the collaboration between casual shoe brands and high-end fashion houses.
British designer Simone Rocha recently made headlines with her bejeweled collaboration with Crocs, which quickly sold out despite its price tag. Just days before, New York label Collina Strada released a collection with Ugg, featuring platform clogs adorned with dog paw illustrations and Mary Janes with silver spikes.
With more collaborations on the horizon and new viral shoe memes popping up every week, the fashion world is abuzz with discussions about the state of footwear. Are we in a golden age of counterintuitive shoe collaborations? What makes a shoe so bad that it’s good?
The Crocs collaboration with Simone Rocha, in particular, has sparked debate among fashion enthusiasts. While some find the bedazzled rubber clogs for adults ridiculous, others see them as a higher-end version of the traditionally “ugly” shoe. The Collina Uggs, on the other hand, are seen as a flag of personality as much as a shoe.
The conversation around ugly shoes also brings up the idea of the “wrong shoe” theory – the notion that a shoe that contradicts the rest of an outfit can make it more interesting. Whether it’s the silver New Balance loafers or the Bode Nike Astro Grabbers, fashion lovers are constantly seeking out footwear that challenges traditional notions of beauty.
In the end, one person’s ugly shoe is another person’s treasure. As the fashion world continues to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional collaborations, the line between ugly and stylish becomes increasingly blurred. Whether you’re a fan of the trend or not, one thing is for sure – the rise of ugly shoe collaborations is here to stay.
Contributors: Guy Trebay, Jessica Testa, Elizabeth Paton, Callie Holtermann, and Vanessa Friedman.
