This Week's Wears
And comfy spring shoes that *aren't* the mesh Alaias
“There are decades where nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen.”
This oft-misattributed quote actually belongs to Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (aka. Lenin). But it regularly gets whipped out by all sorts of modern-day social-media activists (Marxist or not) for its relevance to any moment of exceptional progress.
Why not. It is a good one.
I would add an asterisk that in France, there are entire weeks where nothing happens because they’re not allowed to on account of all the holidays everyone assumes everyone else is taking. Months even. Specifically most of May, large chunks of November and all of August (at least where the fashion industry is concerned).
Excuse the swerve if you thought I was gonna talk Russian history for a sec there.
In May this productivity standstill comes down to a joke number of bank/school holidays, which leave parents who, for whatever reason cannot jet off to Marrakesh whenever these “ponts” arise (literal translation: bridges, ie. actual work days in May you can take off to create an entire weeks of vacances ) suddenly find themselves with no childcare. As a freelancer, you simply can’t work if you want or need to.
Rant over. Because these nonstop days off obviously great if you’re a full-time employee who does not have children. I see you. Enjoy.
Anyway, while the Paris branch of our industry does not much other than stare, aghast, at The Met Gala, I bring you a humble photo diary of what I’ve been wearing this week now that some warm weather has finally graced us. Specifically, I’ve been trying out non-lame linen ensembles. Or I think so anyway.
Linen gets a bad rap. For some reason it really reminds me of British grandpas when they go abroad, all crinkled and sweaty after lunch and a jaunt in the exotic heat. No shade —I bloody loved my Grampa—but linen doesn’t need to a tale of balmy expat blunders. New age linens (OK, the first look is actually apparently made out of hemp!?) seem to keep shape longer and there’s many a laid-back colourful set on offer this season. With the sudden heatwave, said suits are keeping one fresh and breezy in all the right places (under my arms, mainly.)
(Note these photos occur in ascending order of temperature. Was chuffed to give this Khaite jacket a spin the other morning, when an extra layer was still required.)
I’m also honoured to have had a specific request from my v-stylish New York-based Parisienne friend Coco. She wants to see Spring shoes you can walk around the city all day in that are not the Alaia mesh or some copy/delineation of. She says in NYC they’ve almost overtaken the Birkenstock in popularity, and while she purchased the rhinestone ones early in the season “je ne jeux plus me les voir”. (I can’t even look at them anymore).
As you know I love mesh but I do hear her on the trend getting a little out of control. So here are my favourite alternatives for the season before sandal season. I’ve tested almost all of these for walkability.
Update: Coco informs me she’s just bought this last pair above to replace her jazzy mesh conundrum. I dig them, though I’ve never quite worked myself up to a split-toe level of trendiness. Curious to know your thoughts: would you go Margiela toe? I’m waiting in the comments section.
And bonnes vacances to those who celebrate France in May!
Please do a post on bags! Dying for a list of recs
Also, I have the AEYDE Darya in the python print and they are so chic and comfy but not for long stretches as very little support.