Undoubtedly to be seen running all over fashion week, AnOther considers the A/W14 Chanel Sneaker
Who? Back in February, Karl Lagerfeld caused a stir when his S/S14 Couture show was rubber-heeled by 65 pairs of candy trainers, culminating in a glittering Cara Delevingne pairing an opulent bridal gown with silver sneakers. She went on to lead the kick-collection for Karl’s A/W14 supermarket sweep, which paired tweed and leather running shoes with pastel sweats, bouclé jackets and leather. The footwear stole the show, with the psychedelic plimsole pick ‘n’ mix becoming an online sensation. The trainer collection is now available to buy in-store, in all its tweed, laminated, iridescent glory, coming in twenty different colour combinations, priced at £705.
What? This is by no means a new idea for the French fashion house. Chanel debuted its first sneaker in 1984, under the reign of Hervé Leger and Marianne Oudin. Inspired by the supple shoes worn by racing drivers, it was produced in signature two-tone black, reminiscent of a shoe designed by Coco in 1966. They would reappear throughout the 90s, in velvet (1992/1993 Haute Couture) and various other finishes, recognisable by its double-C signature stamp. In 1997, an ultra-technical version was produced in collaboration with Reebok.
Why? Karl has yet to be seen wearing a pair himself, but sneaker fashion is an undeniable force that shows no sign of slowing down, with versions available from Margiela, Saint Laurent, Gucci and of course, the woman who can perhaps be credited for starting the trend with her wedge-trainer back in 2011, Mrs Isabel Marant. Whether sport is becoming more fashionable, or fashion is becoming more of a sport, it is clear that Chanel, as ever, is taking the lead.
Text by Mhairi Graham
