Marni’s kabuki-soled flats and sturdy heels would have been a welcome relief for models on the fall 2012 runways. They also had both a comfort factor and a whimsy that must have sent them to the top of many a to buy list after making their debut, and viewing them up close in the fall 2012 accessory look book only strengthens the appeal.

The shoes complimented the 60s inspirations of the collection, which saw bold, quirky prints and Vidal Sassoon-inspired retro fringed hairstyles coursing the runway.

The aforementioned kabuki platform isn’t for everyone, but with mary-jane shapes or ankle straps they do offer up a kind of oriental-meets-western flair. The same thick contrast leather strap details can be found on high-heeled versions: black leather against velvet (a dream for fans of neo-gothic fashion), or black leather against burgundy.

Marni kabuki shoes

Metallic gold pitted against blood red and black are another hit from the collection, especially in sturdy-yet-elegant architectural shapes and with the addition of reptile skin textures. Quirky they may be but Marni’s shoes for fall are all about luxe materials: plush velvet, shiny patent leather and metallic snakeskin reach a level of opulence without looking like too much.

gold reptile heels

And of course there’s the heavy androgynous flats, lace-up brogues or fringed loafers, that channel the appeal of Marni menswear but with a splash of gold, or patent, or even black velvet.

marni man style brogues

Wide flat sandals and stumpy kitten heels are missing the same elegance as the best parts of the collection, but those aside the collection’s look book is more than worth perusing. Look out for an entomological surprise: a winged, bejewelled decoration at the toe of one pair that makes them my personal favourite.

You can view the full Marni fall / winter 2012 shoe collection at the gallery above.

Author

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Some people's wardrobes are about a small selection of pieces that all fit within one aesthetic - Tania Braukamper isn't such a person. With a wardrobe that spans three different rooms, her approach to fashion is a mixture of current-season key pieces mixed with vintage finds she's sourced on innumerous shopping trips around the world's more cultured capitals. Despite a disparate approach to shopping, Tania is adamant that the key to mixing vintage with new season is to stick to key looks and colours that work for oneself. And it's a theory that she works into her writing for Fashionising.com, where she serves as the publication's Editor.

Written 20.07.2012.