Italian Fashion: Spring and Summer 2007 Footwear Trends

The Hottest Shoes for Spring 2007

Metallic

White

White is the new black. Abandon your fear of white shoes pronto. White was everywhere this spring, in the clothes, bags, and even footwear. There is a style to fit the taste of every woman out there. For a refined look, Tod's Jutta Ballerina is a feminine loafer style ballet flat with silver hardware. For something a little saucier, Dolce & Gabbana's spike heel with white patent t-strap does the trick. For trend leaders, the Prada patent leather wedge sling backs are white hot.

Colored patent leather

Black and tan patent leather was so popular with shoppers over the F/W seasons that patent leather has been reintroduced for spring in candy colored hues. Every shade under the rainbow was represented this season. Manolo Blahnik updates his classic Mary-Jane with a grass green hue and a peep toe for the Iowa patent. Brian Atwoods mint green glossy patent leather tops a stiletto heel. For Fendi, the adorable Patent Ballerina, is an orange-red hue featuring fine contrast stitching and oversized buckled detail with a pointed toe.

Sparkles

Shoes are sparkling in the S/S 07 collections. Alexander McQueen's colorful studded heels are dazzling decadence on the runway. A favorite from Blumarine is the delicate pale lavender satin pump with a floral design sewn entirely from rhinestones and sequins. Giuseppe Zanotti's rhinestone ballerina is coated with silver multifaceted Swarovski crystals. And for a true girly-girl, Miu Miu's pretty-in-pink glittery sandal is adorned with purple gemstones and a peep toe.

Exotics

Python is the new kid on the block. Prada python drivers make a bold statement on an otherwise conservative shoe. For a more elegant look, Jimmy Choo Watersnake Pumps are the solution to work the trend in the office.

Flat

Flats are the comfortable and stylish choice for fashionistas on the run. Ballerinas are back this year- this time with cut-out leather designs, oversized bows, and in sporty, athletic shapes. Delman does it best, with a comprehensive collection including everything from floral to quilting. Prada adds a sweet splash of color to a hot pink suede ballerina with an orange cap toe. Emilio Pucci black suede Gladiator Sandal is simply fabulous for the urban woman who spends her days trekking the concrete jungle.

Wedges

The wedge is crowned the queen of the season. The wedge dominates footwear trends in S/S 07 and is done in every material imaginable: leather, rattan, cork, suede, and even plastic. Missoni's Zig Zag espadrille is a chic hot weather choice for the girl who will spend her summer island hopping off the coast of Sicily. Fendi's B Canvas wedges, in white or black, are a super-sporty wedge featuring oversized straps and buckles.

Platforms

Clunky platform shoes rocked the runways for spring/ summer, complete with heavy hardware and wide straps. Christian Louboutin's infamous red heel isn't the only surprise of his New Nuntucket Sandal. The gold leather platform heel is a huge hit with the complimentary black patent crossover straps. Prada Platform Slingback with a clever combination of cork, the new "It" heel, with rich hazelnut leather straps and gold stud details.

Meredith Paslawsky