The Wall Street Journal published a profile a few weeks ago about the women who actually splash out $74,000 on gold Balmain minidresses and $12,000 on Alexander McQueen gowns, answering the question “Who the hell can actually buy this stuff?
Lots of things in the fashion world are more “nice ideas” than actual, you know, sound purchases: Lolita-esque, crystal-strewn, swallow-print, pink-satin, five-inch Miu Miu heels (with a price tag I'm afraid to look up). Furry Chanel boots that look like they were lopped off a Sasquatch's legs. And, actually, a majority of the stuff you see on runways: Sure, it's pretty to look at, but it's not exactly for Everyman.
Jeremy Scott bridges the gap between street fashion and the runway. He's known for his '90s club-kid sensibilities, yet he shows his lines at New York and London fashion weeks and collaborates endlessly with both high-end (Longchamp) and high-street designers (Swatch). At Scott's Fall 2011 show, the designer unveiled more palatable, club-kid-as-grown-up dresses—but still finished the outfits off with furry orange heels. Of course, completely insane getups were also present, such as the completely sequined maxi dress that looked like Superman's iconic blue outfit—complete with floor-touching red-silk cape. It's bound to be seen on Katy Perry at an MTV-sponsored gathering some day.
Scott's latest collaboration with Adidas had the snooty fashion world and sneakerheads alike talking: see-through plastic kicks with Scott's signature wings outstretching from the laces. Actually, they looked pretty awesome. On someone's actual feet, though, is another story.
What really caught the most eyeballs were the $180 Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear sneakers available in cotton-candy pink and tan. A full-on, stuffed bear head emerging where the tongue of the shoe should be, complete with arms (paws?). The entire sneaker was then finished in a furry plush, with Adidas' signature three stripes in a contrast suede-like material.
Lil Wayne just wore his on BET's 106 & Park. Which means: Jeremy Scott x Adidas Originals will continue to sell out.
This column appeared in print as “X Marks the Sneaker.”
