Shoe News from the Paris Runway Shows, Fall 2007

This may be old news to most of you but the Prêt-a-porter shows for Fall 2007 walked down the runways early this month. From Alexander McQueen's "witchy" women to Balenciaga by Ghesquière's school boy goes global looks, it was a very different scene than in New York's Bryant Park. Fortunately for shoe lovers everywhere, the shoes were oh-so-much more interesting as well.

Let's start with Karl Lagerfeld's "cold weather college girl" (as it was described in the fashion press) collection. I was drawn to this collection out of pure selfish motivation. I need new boots and Lagerfeld's models were wearing some of the most interesting variations I have seen on the runways in a long time.

From McQueen's "family revelation" inspired collection, we find beautifully sculpted heels. Made in contrasting materials, McQueen's super-high conical heels are something we've seen before but are certainly worth seeing more of.

At Balenciaga, the trainer got another re-do. This time, the high-heel sneaker looks more like athletic equipment than ever. Even though I don't imagine these shoes will find their way into many people's closets, I was still very excited (as a historian, at least) to see that fashion's habit of repeating itself continues this fall.