Ask The Stylist
The Sunday Age
Sunday March 2, 2008
Q My podiatrist says I can't wear heels any more but I don't know how to make the transition to flats. I'm a heel addict and have no idea what to wear flats with. Help!
There are many reasons to admire Sofia Coppola. She's a scriptwriter of profound talent (Lost in Translation); she managed to snag an access-all-areas pass to Versailles (Marie Antoinette); and then there's her status as a style icon with feet perpetually shod in flats. No hobbling around on surreal heels and no painful addiction to an insurance-worthy collection of Manolo Blahniks. Nope, here's a woman of style who refuses to wear sky-high heels. Bless. In fact, so fond is Coppola of staying on flat ground, she recently told Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune that the highlight of the Chanel haute couture show in Paris was the large procession of "flats". Quite a controversial statement when you consider the clothing on display. But if such news does little to soften the blow of being told that one more heel will kill your sole, then ponder this: women who wear flats live longer. Apparently it's something to do with no longer running the risk of tripping over your vertiginous spikes to fatal effect. Obviously. But, how does a woman addicted to heels find that same appeal (feeling sexier, taller and cooler) in flats? I mean what flats really elevate your soul? This is where we cut straight to the Giuseppe Zanotti gladiator sandal pictured. Powerful? Yes. Chic? Definitely. Sexy? Of course. And they're comfortable too. What's more, they're easy to combine with some of this season's key looks: high-waisted pants and jeans; playful dresses; tailored shorts partnered with loose tee and blazer. You get the gist. And no flat speak would be complete without mention of the ballet flat. A staple in the world of level-ground revellers, the best brands to look out for are Chanel, French Sole, Lanvin, Chloe and Fendi, with its just-released collection of hyper-coloured ballet flats. Just think sleek, chic and no more sore, high-heeled feet. And for women on a budget, check out styles by Country Road, Robert Robert, Sambag, Candy - the list goes on. Still struggling? Well, why not just take the focus off your feet. To quote the ineffably wise George Bernard Shaw: "If a woman rebels against high-heeled shoes, she should take care to do it in a very smart hat." Good idea. Style woes? Let Sophie sort them out. Stylist@theage.com.auStockistsChristine 9654 2011Country Road1800 801 911David Jones133 357Dotti 9420 0200Mimco 9827 0259Sportsgirl 9426 0600Witchery 1800 033 465www.net-a-porter.com
© 2008 The Sunday Age