BALENCIAGA fall 2010 shoes

I used to work for a local shoe brand, and part of my job was to watch out for the latest trend on footwear. So i spend a lot of time surfing the net and checking out different fashion brands. I prefer researching online 'coz it's the most convenient and fastest way to gain knowledge of the international fashion scene. I resigned from my work almost a year ago (and trying to pursue a different career), but the habit of looking at (new) shoes styles did not stop. And one of the brands that i always look up to when it comes to shoes is Balenciaga. I've only discovered Balenciaga when i started working (which is about 4 years ago) and i became a fan ever since.

What i like about Balenciaga is how they seamlessly mixes creativity and modern technology to create exceptional pieces. Nicolas Ghesquiere always manage to showcase innovation on every collection that he presents for the brand. He can turn something ordinary into something that no one really expects. One good example that i really like are the shoes from (his) fall 2010 collection.

Basically, its just high heeled loafer, but the way the designer played w/ some of the details makes this shoe very modern. The sculptural heel (that has a bauhaus feel to it) and the platform sole (that reminds me of snowboard bindings or ice skate guards) bring this classic footwear to a whole new level. If i were to ask, i can consider this as a WOA (work-of-art). 

I just noticed that platform sole for this seasons' shoe collection is somehow reminiscent of fall 2009 collection which is also somehow reminiscent of spring 2009 collection - oh well, just a thouught. its like an on going trend on Balenciaga.

Aside from putting a twist on a classic loafer and oxford shoes, what i find very amusing about Balenciaga's fall 2010 shoe collection was the idea of using veneer as upper.

Who could have thought that 'furniture material,' or maybe in this case 'material finish' of a furniture material will also look good on footwear?! For me, this is a "perfect marriage" between fashion and industrial design - which is i'm a graduate of, hehe :p  But i'm just curious if its comfortable? 'coz if "not", then maybe "not so perfect marriage" because of the concept of ergonomics in industrial design.

This shoes however, i only like on this angle - - -

 when you turn or look at it on the side, it kinda looks awkward - - -

visually, it feels like it has unnecessary excess part, or something was missing. I wishedthey also put some strap (that acts as ankle strap) on that tongue. But that's only my opinon. It still has the WOA quality or feel to it like the other shoes from the collection.

photo source: style.com