It’s been a busy few weeks in the world of men’s fashion, with the world’s fashion capitals pulling out all the stops in the unveiling of the newest trends and styles that will be gracing our streets in the warmer months. While many people tend to have their eyes solely focused on the ensembles strolling down the runway, for others it’s the footwear that does all the head turning. Be it on the street or the catwalk, fashion week proved that sneakers are still the trend du jour, with no signs of slowing down.
In Milan, the style was chunky, with big silhouettes, unexpected details and original colourways. From the latest creations from Reebok, to designer branding, these sneakers proved to emphasise one’s own creative flair. In the French capital however, Paris offered some under-the-radar styles from the likes of Salomon, Rick Owens and even Byredo – the fragrance brand.
These last few weeks of style went by in the blink of an eye, and in case you missed it, here are our pick of the most stylist and original new sneakers unveiled at Fashion Week Men’s SS20.
Milan Fashion Week
Dolce & Gabbana
The designer’s SS20 collection traverses the tropical jungle with its safari-themed array of exotic leopard prints, khaki and various camp-collared shirts. When it comes to the sneakers however, the silhouette was outfitted with various details that were eye-catching, but importantly the colourway was muted and befitting the rest of the ensemble.
Emporio Armani
Emporio Armani’s show was one which showcased the next generation of fabrications. This translated to high-shine and weather resistant coats and outerwear, beautiful and washed silks, and a languorous take on summer dressing. In keeping with the bright colours were sneakers that popped with hues of blue and green, while various takes on the chunky, white sneaker excelled on the runway.
John Richmond
The sneakers on display at John Richmond’s Milan Fashion Week Men’s SS20 show were somewhat bedazzled. Classic silhouettes in standard colourways were brought to life with embellishments that instantly made a rather timeless look something more contemporary.
Paris Fashion Week
Acne Studios
The coveted brand displayed a range of progressive menswear looks, embracing off-kilter appliques on their fashion-forward garments. But while overshirts and slouchy blazers dominated the runway, the sneakers were in fact sleek and sophisticated. These running shoes were something that could be worn in the office and to the board meeting, while still being a style flex on the street.
Etudes
The SS20 men’s preview from Etudes was one anchored in a Jamaican aesthetic. There were weathered tie-dye styles, boxy shirts, silk shirting, and bold colours. But the sneakers were pristine, sleek and in their vibrant white colourway, they served as a contrast to what was going on above the ankles.
Louis Vuitton
With a star-stacked crowd in attendance, Virgil Abloh proved that next season’s styles were one of colour. An array of tailored looks inspired by flowers struck a balance between streetwear and luxe, something Abloh does all too well. But the looks were elevated by the footwear, with chunky sneakers adding a street flex to tailored looks, while eye-catching colours and fun designs rounded off already colourful ensembles.
