Do These Make Me Look Flat?
Manolo says, here is the link to the brief article on the history and popularity of the ballet flats.
We bow (or maybe a pirouette would be more appropriate) to whoever thought to take a ballet slipper, slap on a sturdier sole, finish it in a nicer fabric, add some cute adornments and take it to the street.
Since its transformation from the dance studio to daily life, the ballet flat has become one of the hottest shoe trends – one that miraculously couples cuteness with comfort. Forget the gold and silver satin metallic finish that we associate with the typical fashion ballet flat. Check out what’s new for the shoe that is enjoying an extended stay on the fashion forefront.
Back when ballet flats were strictly a dancer’s shoe, the Mascaro family opened a handcrafted ballet shoe workshop in Menorca, Spain in 1918. After many years, the company is now recognized internationally for the Jaime Mascaro collection of shoes and bags, as well as the Pretty Ballerinas line, a collection of street-worthy ballet flats and pumps that – with over 30 styles in the spring collection alone – have something for every foot.
Of the course, the Manolo he is the big fan of both the ballet flat and the Jamie Mascaro.
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Comments
Victor 19 years ago
Would that these would take the place of the now-ubiquitous (and hideous) flip-flop! At the local coffee shop today I stood in line behind a rather attractive lady who was wearing a businesslike yet beautifully cut outfit, and on her feet were flip-flops. They looked almost formal–their black straps were reminiscent of evening sandals–but, as with a rose by any other name, flip-flops are still flip-flops, and she looked ridiculous when one looked at the outfit as a whole.
Ballet flats would have been more feminine, and just a bit whimsical, and I suspect she would have been just as comfortable at the very small expense of spending two more seconds putting on her shoes.
Phyllis 19 years ago
Touche Manolo – I love the ballet flat because it is the most democratic woman’s shoe – it looks great on all of us! Any size, any shape.
enygma 19 years ago
hmm…I disagree with the above comment. Ballet flats only look good on the long and lean legs, i.e. Audrey Hepburn. Stocky and thick legs tend to look stockier and thicker.
jenny 19 years ago
Sorry, but even if these babies make my legs look like an elephant’s, I’ll continue to wear them because they make me feel 1.) graceful, 2.) elegant, 3.) delicate and 4.) like Audrey Hepburn. And heaven knows I resemble none of these adjectives in “real” life…
Steph 19 years ago
I’m afraid I disagree on the comfort part. If a shoe is gonna be flat, it better feel great. Most ballet flats I’ve tried on, even wildly expensive ones are just not comfortable to walk in. Most have no support, and people do better with a bit of a heel.
oh navel 19 years ago
Oh Navel hates the ballet flats. As mentioned above they are neither comfortable nor flattering unless the wearer has the legs of the originally intended wearer – the graceful, longeline ballet dancer. Nothing makes a thick ankle look more like cankle than the dread ballet flat.
VeddyVeddyBadAng 19 years ago
I love the “idea” of ballet flats, and I even own a couple of pairs. But I’ve yet to find an outfit that I own that look better with ballet flats as opposed to a shoe with at least a 1″ heel. Whenever I put them on and look in the mirror, my legs look instantly shorter and dumpier (and I have small ankles!). Maybe I just haven’t found the right pair, or the right outfit. Any recommendations on what to wear the ballet flats with?
And an added disadvantage to the ballet flats — they hide a pretty summer pedicure! (Not an argument for flip flops, though — but an argument for open-toe sandals.)
furlagirl 19 years ago
As the Manolo himself knows and indeed advises, if a girl has bad legs, no flats. Plus if you have tight calf muscles they are incredibly uncomfortable.
RZA 19 years ago
For those who may like ballet flats, but need more arch support or who wear shoe-insert orthotics, I’d like to suggest the Munro “Pirouette” Flat. You can find a couple colors at Nordstrom, though if you search the web, there are other colors available. They have a slightly thicker, more supportive, sole than other ballet flats, and are very comfortable for long walks. However, they are also a _little_ heavier looking. But, as someone who’s had ankle surgery, and looks for comfortable, cute shoes, I’d say these are winners!
deja pseu 19 years ago
I’ve bought Munro shoes on three separate occasions primarily because of their comfort, but have had to return them each time because the front of the sole tends to come loose from the body of the shoe.
Tailypo 19 years ago
It’s my understanding that Claire McCardell, inventor of most things casual-yet-fabulous, who came up with the ballet flat as fashion statement. She contracted with Capezio to make shoes to go with her sportswear line while shoe leather was rationed during WWII.
Chanel 19 years ago
Ballet Flats are incredibly cute, i have just ordered a pair of chanel ones, and i can’t wait to get them and try test them out.
Canadienne 19 years ago
I have a pair of Jaime Mascaro ballet flats and they are fabulous, cute, and quite comfortable…they have a tiny little heel, though – about 1 cm.
Expensive, but worth it. They have a great shop here in Paris on the Rue de l’Opera.