Seven page waiting list
Wait list for a sneaker? Isabel Marant "Willow" is the most hard-to-find shoearound
Miranda Kerr in Isabel Marant sneakersPhoto by Bauer Griffin
Fashion sneakers by Isabel MarantPhoto via Net-a-Porter
Fashion sneakers by Isabel MarantPhoto via Net-a-Porter
Fashion Blogger Chiara Feragni wearing Isabel Marant Willow SneakersPhoto via The Blonde Salad
A sweet evening of mind-numbing television was interrupted by a manfriend's comment addressed at, what I hadn't noticed were swollen, my feet. “Woah. You should be careful, you might be getting a bunion," he said looking at the barefoot.
Whatever the F a bunion is I hadn't a clue, but curiosity and fear surfed me through webmd for several hours. I found out that a bunion is formed when your large toe points towards the index toe. It can be genetic or caused overtime by wearing narrow heels.
Like any other fashion trend, the more media exposure the more the hideous sneakers start to grow on me.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to prevent or cure bunions most of which involve a minor change in lifestyle for stiletto wearing subjects. A suggested preventative is opting to flat and wide shoes, which got me thinking about a certain trend I've loved to hate, the fashion sneaker.
Fashion tastemakers have opted to give their feet a break via the fashion sneaker trend. The most popular of subjects sported by off duty models, top editors, and bloggers is the hard-to-find Isabel Marant Willow sneaker.
Composed of a suede exterior, concealed three-inch platform and overall extravagant silhouette, the high fashion priced rubber soled shoes bears a slight resemblance to the voluminous footwear sported by professional skate boarders. Like any other fashion trend, the more media exposure the more the hideous sneakers start to grow on me.
Isabel Marant, who has featured the “it shoe” for the past two seasons (wedge fringe bootie in the winter), offers the statement sneaker in an array of colors, all of which sell out within hours of availability on luxury retailers like Net–a–Porter and MyTheresa. The Willow retails for around $760 at stores; around $850 - $1,000 on eBay.
Challenged by fear of misshaped feet and craving a shoe of the moment, I began my hunt for the Willow leather and suede sneakers via Net-a-Porter, Mytheresa, and Barneys, all of which resulted in “sold out.” I resorted to actually calling customer service of Net-a-porter. Two rings in a cheer full voice followed her greeting with a laugh when I stated what I was looking for.
“I just got off the phone with a customer seeking the same product. What size are you looking for? I will add you to the waiting list,” she said.
And so I provided her with the contact information and proceeded to call the Isabel Marant boutique in Soho. “Right now our wait list is seven pages long,” said the boutique’s sales rep.
Like any other crush, just as I began to stop thinking about it, it came around. On Saturday morning an almost threatening email from Net-a-Porter lured me back to the voluminious shoes.
Disappointed and reminded of the hefty price tag I went on to research other labels addressing the trend. Maison Martin Margiela, Miu Miu, and Pierre Hardy are a few other designers offering a high-end sneaker.
For those of those who want to jump on the trend with price friendly fashion sneakers Ash Italia, Sam Edelman, See by Chloe, and Aldo offer stunning options.
Like any other crush, just as I began to stop thinking about it, it came around. On Saturday morning an almost threatening email from Net-a-Porter lured me back to the voluminious shoes. "Your reservation is now available for twenty four hours," was stated above an irresistable click through purchase.
I haven't the slightest clue of what to pair them with, perhaps with the cocktail attire, and be a thug in a cocktail dress like Leandra Medine. Thug or not, though, I'm almost sure this trend is a blessing in disguise. Perhaps it's time to give my feet a break, wear a hideous comfortable shoe for a few months, and be bunion free for the summer sandals.
Annina Stefanelli writes the fashion blog, The Cinched Waist
