Transforming heels
The good Dr David Handel, of New York City, in an attempt to eradicate the trainers for the commute/heels for the office look, has invented re-tractable heels. Handel, a Transformer toy obsessive no less, dreamed up his Camileon Heels some 20 years ago whilst observing Melanie Griffith Working Girl types on Fifth Avenue. The heels have a three and a quarter inch heel when extended and snap upwards towards the sole to convert into one-inch flats when required. While we are grateful to him for his efforts to rid the world of awful sheer tights and white trainers combination, Fashion Diary considers the more pressing issue to be - just how stylish is the shoe? Heels worn high, it's best described as an homage to the classic Mary Jane Manolo Blahnik shoe as worn by Kate Moss and Carrie Bradshaw in the US Vogue fashion cupboard SATC episode. Heels down, the shoe fuses LK Bennett conservatism with a Marc Jacobs take on an experimental heel. Not bad, Doc.
WAG solves eternal conundrum
Thank the good lord for Alex Curran, who this week cracked the sartorial code which has foxed fashion editors and party-goers alike for years. In her excellent interview with the Daily Mirror ahead of the European Cup final, Curran gives a direct steer on what the phrase "smart but casual" actually means. Apparently Cavalli jeans, Topshop vest, Louboutin heels, and here's the crucial bit, "a nice bangle", constitute the perfect mix. Conundrum solved.
News from France
Sophia Kokosalaki has handed in her notice at Vionnet after just 10 months. The designer was appointed artistic director at the French fashion in an attempt to resurrect the iconic label which was originally created in 1912 by Madeleine Vionnet. But it seems one job was enough for the British based designer who this week stated that she will solely concentrate on the development of her own label instead. Marc Audibet replaces her at Vionnet.
What we have learned from Cannes this week....
Ties worn during the day give Tom Ford a headache, thus he goes without. We presume his pain is physical and not metaphorical.