How clogs became the unexpected shoe of the season
Yes, really. After seasons spent wandering the sartorial wilderness, clogs have unexpectedly become SS21’s most sought-after shoe. Read on to discover how this classic Swedish style has become a favorite among fashion insiders worldwide
It all goes back to JW Anderson’s FW20 menswear show. Held in London in January 2020, just before the pandemic plunged the world into a state of lockdown, the needle-moving designer finished each and every one of his runway looks with a pair of buckle-embellished, closed-toe leather mules that bore more than a fleeting resemblance to the classic clog. Prescient as ever, Anderson’s trend-setting shoes broke the internet. They were rolled out across his men’s and womenswear lines, popping up all over Instagram and festooning the feet of the fashion industry’s most discerning dressers. Now, they’ve become almost emblematic of the polished practicality so many of us have craved from our closets since March 2020 hit.
Building on this momentum, Bottega Veneta debuted a similarly left-field footwear design that was met with a frenzy: rubber clogs. Lightweight, waterproof and endlessly wearable, these striking shoes are just as suited to indoor living as everyday outdoor wear. Consider them a luxe, warm-weather alternative to your standard slippers, which is worth noting given the current diktat for alfresco socializing.
Design purists will be particularly drawn to cult label Frankie Shop’s iteration, produced as part of a special capsule with footwear experts Porte & Paire. They’re an understated nod to the original Swedish style, with a decidedly contemporary feel. “What I like about our style is the fact that it is just about the sleekest clog you can find – no hardware, a versatile earth tone and super-rich leather,” says Frankie Shop founder Gaëlle Drevet. “We are bringing it back in a very modern and elegant way.” Unsurprisingly, Drevet is a big believer in the endless wearability of the clog. “Clunkier shoes are the perfect way to balance outfits that could look a little too put-together.” And while blue jeans and wide-leg pants might be the obvious choice when it comes to styling, Drevet doesn’t shy away from the clog’s inherent retro undertones. “Worn with a mini dress, it’s like Birkin in the 1960s,” she says. “So why not?” Why not indeed.