Latest news with #TaekwondoMei
Refinery29
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
From Mesh To Mary Janes — Ballet Sneakers Are *The* Shoe Of The Summer
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. What do you get when you combine two beloved fashion items? Sometimes greatness (see: the skort, the jort, and the entire concept of athleisure), but often it results in bizarre flash-in-the-pan moments (remember the coatigan? No, neither did I until writing this piece). Thankfully, the latest hybrid trend taking over the fashion world sits firmly in the former camp. Say hello to the sneakerina, a mash-up that balances all the signature grace and poise of the classic ballet shoe with the comfort and grip of your favorite functional trainer. It's a dream come true for those of us with fond memories of the 2010s twee phenomenon, but an adult need for more arch support. Unsurprisingly, we can thank the queen of high femme fashion, Simone Rocha, for kickstarting the sneakerina trend back in spring/summer 2020 with her 'ballet tracker' platforms. Since then, she's been joined by both luxury designers and sports brands alike — from kitten heel sneakers at Miu Miu to satin-topped, trek-soled Aura flats at Rombaut, to sold-out collaborations between Sandy Liang and Salomon, Cecilie Bahnsen and Asics, and Onitsuka Tiger and Patou. This year, the trend has truly exploded, fueled by several much-hyped launches: Adidas' Samba Mary Jane and lace-up Taekwondo Mei, Puma's Speedcat Ballet, and Louis Vuitton's LV Sneakerina. According to fashion search engine Lyst, searches for 'sneakerinas' are up 1300%, while StockX, an online marketplace for sneakerheads, has seen a 119% year-on-year increase for 'ballerina'. The coolest celebrities are also fans — both Bella Hadid and Charli XCX have been spotted in VIVAIA's satin Sneakerinas, while Chloë Sevigny is a repeat wearer of Ecco's Biom C-Trails (a hiking shoe base with ballerina-style laces). There are many different variations of the trend to satisfy every style — from dainty, satin slipper designs with grippy rubber soles to sportier versions with mesh panels, top-stitched detailing, elastic straps, turbo-charged platforms, eyelet lacing, and toe caps. Naturally, these come on the foot of last year's coquette trend and, before that, the rise of balletcore, but they reimagine the hyper feminine look to be more functional. These shoes are made for city streets and long days on your feet. Essentially, it's the viral 'wrong shoe' theory in motion, wherein you purposely wear shoes that might be considered antithetical to your outfit to create a more interesting look. This time, though, it's the shoe itself that is the contradiction. Have I convinced you yet? If not, perhaps this selection will — all the best sneakerina shoes on the market at every price point. Mary Jane Ballet Sneakers Prim and proper or punk and platform, the humble Mary Jane has had quite the moment in recent years, and that isn't changing anytime soon, thanks to these sporty trainer-infused styles. Puma's Speedcat Ballerina in particular is the third buzziest product of early 2025, according to the Lyst Q1 Index Report, and has the seal of approval from Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski. This design is the perfect balance of both styles: a classic ballerina silhouette adorned with sporty, racing shoe signatures (complete with an embroidered Puma logo). Opt for the silver colorway to tick off another key 2025 sneaker trend. For a similar vibe, I found plenty of slim-fit options, from the luxury (Miu Miu) to the more affordable (Bershka). Alternatively, if you prefer a chunkier shoe, Ash's Rolls Sneakers come out on top. They're just like your typical techy, Y2K dad sneaker, but with that strappy, Mary Jane twist. Lace-Up Ballet Sneakers If the name doesn't give it away, Adidas' Taekwondo Mei Shoe (first introduced in 1988) is a reinterpretation of the original martial arts footwear. Functionally, taekwondo and ballerina shoes have always been very similar: slim-fitted with a slightly pointed toe, made with super-soft leather that molds to the foot, and designed to keep your soles close to the floor. Where this version differs from a modern-day ballet flat is that the rubber outsole better protects your feet from the ground, and the slightly padded, textile-lined insole adds more cushioning and support. Throw in the combination of lace-up fastenings and the brand's iconic three-stripe design, and you have the ultimate all-occasions shoe that works equally well with a dainty dress for date night or with sweats when running errands. Adidas isn't the only destination for stylish, functional lace-up styles. From Axel Arigato's chunky stompers to Lazy Oaf's delicate treads, there are options out there for everyone — and you don't have to opt for a lace-up-the-leg look either. JW Pei has created a stylish alternative that even the biggest ballet flat skeptic could love. Mesh Ballet Sneakers Mesh footwear was at its peak last summer, and it isn't going away soon. This season, the light, airy, and breathable style lends itself perfectly to the sporty sneakerina trend. Unlike 2024's sheer organza versions, many of this year's designs feature a heavier, net-like weave. Platform Ballet Sneakers Adopting the statement soles and extra inches you usually find on chunky Y2K sneakers and utilitarian trainers, these sneakerina shoes give you all the boost you need, without compromising on comfort. Satin Ballet Sneakers Satin ballet shoes are perhaps the most archetypal of the style — conjuring up images of prima ballerinas performing in full costume as princesses, swans, and sugar plum fairies. It's a tactile fabric that nods to luxury and glamour, and when paired with practical, sporty elements, it creates a pronounced juxtaposition. When choosing your outfit, let these satin sneakerina shoes do the work for you — they'll make a statement no matter what.
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Wanna be a cowboy, baby? Here's nine ways to wear cow-print patterns
As cowboy-core continues to dominate the high street and social media FYPs, expect bovine-inspired accessories to lead the herd. Sure, maximalism may be having a moment but so are heat waves which means a little goes a long way. Save that cowhide jacket for when the mercury skips town. In the meantime, let's look at little ways to steer your style. Next's Cow Print Forever Comfort® loafers are an easy first step if you're curious but not ready to milk the trend. They're practical, easy on the feet, and guaranteed to start a few conversations. Plus, they look great with anything from denim and a crisp white shirt to a breezy linen suit. Feeling sporty? The adidas 'Taekwondo Mei' shoes bring a graphic, athletic twist to the cow print. For something a bit more polished, & Other Stories' leather pumps balance elegance and irreverence in one slick step. And when the dress code calls for something easy-going, milk the trend with a pair of schuh's 'Teela' slides. For visual interest that's low-key, 'The Belmont' cowhide belt from H&H England ropes in any look with rodeo-level confidence. Ditto for the Shineyrugs wallet (handmade with waterproof lining) available on If you prefer a more considered investment, Hyde & Hare's 'The Milford' Italian leather hobo bag or & Other Stories' cow-hair tote are worth the splurge. Top tip: use a soft bristle brush on cowhide to remove dust and prevent matting and always store away from direct sunlight. No one wants to put their favourite piece out to pasture. Now go play the fashion field. GET THE LOOK: Leomie Anderson in the AELTC's Parkside Suite in No.1 Court at The Championships 2025. Held at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for AELTC 1. Leomie Anderson in the AELTC's Parkside Suite in No.1 Court at The Championships 2025. Held at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. Day 8, on July 07, 2025 in London, England. Cow Print Forever Comfort® Leather Round Toe Driver Loafers, Next, €76 2. Cow Print Forever Comfort® Leather Round Toe Driver Loafers, Next, €76 Shineyrugs wallet, €42.52 3. Shineyrugs wallet, €42.52 'The Belmont' cowhide belt, H&H England, €88.95 4. 'The Belmont' cowhide belt, H&H England, €88.95 'The Milford' Hobo bag, Hyde & Hare England, €317.95 5. 'The Milford' Hobo bag, Hyde & Hare England, €317.95 adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes, €120 6. adidas 'Taekwondo Mei ' shoes, €120 Cow-hair leather tote, & Other Stories, €179 7. Cow-hair leather tote, & Other Stories, €179 Leather pumps, & Other Stories, €149 8. Leather pumps, & Other Stories, €149 'Teela' leather buckle slides, schuh, €56 9. 'Teela' leather buckle slides, schuh, €56 Read More Gingham has been reinvented — here are nine new ways to wear it
Elle
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
9 Summer Skirts And The Flat Shoes To Pair Them With
Good style is anything but formulaic, but it always helps to have a few failsafe combinations up your sleeve – especially when a) temperatures are soaring, b) you're on holiday and have better things to do than to outfit-plan, or c) both of the above. We have the perfect solution: choose one of nine summer skirt styles and match them to the perfect flat shoe, as per our carefully curated guide. From flip flops to the sneaker-ballet-shoe hybrid, fisherman sandals to pirate boots, we have narrowed down a few of our favourite flats (all perfectly suited to summer strolls, whether you're in the city or somewhere in view of sea) and picked out the trending skirts to pair them with, from slinky slips to flippy minis – all with the help of some of fashion's best-dressed insiders. Pin your favourite outfits to your summer moodboard and come back to them when you're feeling frazzled but in search of an excellent ensemble. Let us count the ways we love the slip-skirt trend. Firstly, one can be procured blissfully easily on the vintage market – or indeed, there are many beautiful new iterations, whether you want to splurge (The Row), save (Mango) or find a happy medium (Dôen). Secondly, it's so versatile; it looks just as good with flip flops or ballet flats now as it will with a cashmere knit and knee-high boots come autumn. Don't forget an anklet and/or toe ring. Part trainer, part ballet flat, the sneakerina is the hybrid shoe that will make summer strolls more stylish and more comfortable. Do like Iris Law and team Foundry Mews' dance-inspired pair with a pleated mini skirt – or a flippy skort, like Peachy Den's Kylie style. The ballerina version of Puma's Speedcat and Adidas's Taekwondo Mei shoe also work well. An almond-toe ballerina feels like a more polished alternative to the classic ballet flat, and the perfect partner to a 1990s-inspired polka-dot skirt from Susa Musa or Miu Miu. Take cues from Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks and opt for Chanel's new-season, two-tone style or consider Ferragamo's iconic Vara pump, which was the shoe of choice for Caro Editions' SS25 lookbook. We've long sung the praises of the naked dress, but let's discuss the wildly more versatile naked skirt. Chanel, Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, and more all made strong cases for this ethereal garment, which can be dressed up with heels or made casual with flats. A pair of Mary Janes brings a down-to-earth touch to a tulle or organza style. The Noughties trend of wearing one's skirt over one's trousers has made a triumphant return. At Bottega Veneta and Johanna Parv's SS25 shows, the hybrid garment was teamed with sleek heeled pumps, but it looks just as good with flatform sandals, as content creator Liv Madeline proves. When dressing for a heatwave, keep it simple in a crisp white midi skirt, oversized shirt and, the pièce de résistance, a pair of fisherman sandals. For something a little fun, opt for jelly styles from Loeffler Randall or Straw London, or go classic with a leather pair from Grenson, The Row, or Toast. The frou-frouness of a ruffled floral mini skirt – or indeed, a bubble-hem one – is instantly tempered by a pair of slim-profile trainers. Miu Miu's cult low-tops are a natural choice, but Adidas's Tokyo or SL 72 styles also work well. On top, keep things form-fitting and considered or do the exact opposite and throw on an oversized vintage band T-shirt. An asymmetric skirt makes every outfit more interesting, as does a pair of slouchy pirate boots – better yet when the two converge. We love the handkerchief-hem style on this fashion week guest. As for the boots, you can't do better than Vivienne Westwood's iconic, buckle-adorned style, which have peaked in popularity on pre-loved marketplaces. Flounced silhouettes popped up in a few places at fashion week, from the peplum-topped chiffon trousers at Alaïa's SS25 show to mermaid maxis on showgoers themselves. Balance the drama of a fishtail skirt with the nonchalance of a thong sandal – something simple and embellishment-free, ideally.
