PARIS FASHION WEEK: Pierre Hardy Showroom
Visiting the Pierre Hardy showroom is always a pleasure: this time not least because I got to meet the eponymous Monsieur Hardy himself. The collect built on many of the codes established last season - those hit flat metal Escher cubes were reworked in enamel, and even patchworked into rather fetching bags. Inspired by surf, a new range of neoprene shoes caught next season's futuristic bent: I'm not entirely how practical 5-inch heels would be to windsurf in, but you'd look very chic trying. Pierre explained that this neoprene was not reconditioned fashion neoprene, but genuine surfer's fabric, and indeed the colours popped like a Cornwall beach in the midst of summer. To counter all this sportif, rope sandals in flesh and black - part Barbarian part bondage - came either monastically flat or with a towering, severe heel. I was especially taken, however, with the 'Lingerie' range, utilising suspender-elastic to tautly strap the foot into the skimpiest of stilletos and kinky little flats: refined and slightly, deliciously perverse. I do hope there are women brave enough to wear them outside of the bedroom.