Latest news with #softgirl
Vogue Arabia
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Hybrid Footwear: Summer's Defining Fusion, From Tabi-Red Sole to the Mary Jane Trainers
Skip to main content We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site. Photo: @oumaymaboumeshouli Comfort and couture are no longer mutually exclusive—especially when it comes to footwear. In 2025, we're entering the era of magnificent mutation in fashion. Remember when they fused the cookie with a croissant? Think of this analogy when you view the hybrid footwear created by designers playing Dr Frankenstein, juxtaposing two equally popular silhouettes into one. Whether it's elevating the understated Maison Margiela split-toe Tabi with Christian Louboutin's signature red sole, or injecting the elegance of a ballet flat into the otherwise utilitarian shape of a sneaker—cool girls are unambiguously leaning into the soft-girl era when it comes to blended footwear. And we are here for it. Let's decode the various combinations, permutations, and the brands doing it best. Split-Toe Soulmates You cannot possibly talk about footwear fusion without beginning with the ultimate collaboration we saw earlier this season. Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin created a custom line to marry the iconic Margiela split-toe Tabi silhouette with Louboutin's trademark red sole. The ambitious partnership features a number of variations, ranging from the Bridgiela Una Strass—a bridal pump featuring a reinterpreted split-toe constructed from two separate pieces forming a heart-like silhouette—to the Loubiella sandal and the Marlougiela ballerina. Each design does justice to the sculptural DNA of both luxury houses involved. This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. En Pointe Pavement Pounders Next up, the sneakerina: an untraditional ballet flat with the practical support of a sneaker—what's not to love? This street-style rendition of the hybrid menagerie combines the diaphanous upper design elements of ballet flats—ribbon details, almond toes, and feminine silhouettes—while replacing the traditionally thin sole with the chunky, supportive foundation of athletic footwear. Certain variations retain the flat profile while incorporating sporty elements; others take it a notch higher in poise by adding satin ribbon or tie-up elements ordinarily seen in a traditional ballet flat. Mademoiselle Marathon The Mary Jane trainer is the hipster friend who moved to Paris for the culture and class but couldn't completely let go of their street edge. French-girl elegance of the traditional Mary Janes meets the technical prowess of a good running shoe—perfectly encapsulating this particular style. The shoe retains the iconic strap across the instep but reimagines it with elasticated materials or sporty hardware atop a cushioned athletic sole. It finds the sweet spot between contemporary functionality and retro charm. Fuelling the curiosity are the usual celebrity suspects known for experimenting with their casual style. Dua Lipa was seen 'levitating' in Puma's Speedcat Ballet Flats throughout her Radical Optimism world tour. Jennifer Lawrence was spotted supporting this trend in Loewe's Ballet Runner 2.0. Bella Hadid made Vivaia's Cristina Lace-Up Derby Flats her go-to while walking around Paris (of course, it sold out soon after). Amelia Gray was also sighted wearing the ballet-sneaker styles from the same brand. This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. The crossbreed footwear landscape continues to expand as heavyweight fashion houses and street-style labels recognise the innovation potential within this trend. From Louis Vuitton's aptly named Sneakerina collection and Miu Miu's Gymnasium Ballerinas, to Adidas developing a Mary Jane Samba—both camps have mainstreamed the movement. British designer Simone Rocha was among the pioneers with her Ballet Tracker shoes, debuting in 2020, and now Valentino, Chloé, Acne Studios, and countless others are creating their own interpretations. Even athletic giants like Puma and Nike are equally invested in this fashion-function fusion. This summer's defining footwear trend proves that sometimes the most innovative designs emerge not from creating something entirely new, but from cleverly combining what we already love in unexpected ways. Thinking of adding a pair of hybrid shoes to your closet? Below are the best double-duty designs to pick from. Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Bridiela Una Strass Photo: Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Bridiela Una Strass AED6,700 Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Marlougiela Strass Photo: Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Marlougiela Strass AED6,200 Miu Miu Gymnasium Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas Gymnasium Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas AED3,500 Miu Miu Tyre Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas Tyre technical fabric and suede ballerinas AED3,700 Valentino Bay by Bay Ballerina Sneakers in Papier Floral Fabric BAY BY BAY BALLERINA SNEAKERS IN PAPIER FLORAL FABRIC AED3,100 adidas Y-3 Regu Mary Jane Y-3 REGU MARY JANE, AED1,149 adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet 'Core Black/Cloud White/GUM' Sneakers TAEKWONDO MEI BALLET "CORE BLACK/CLOUD WHITE/GUM" SNEAKERS, AED865 Louis Vuitton Sneakerina PUMA Speedcat Ballet 'Whisp of Pink' Sneakers SPEEDCAT BALLET "WHISP OF PINK" SNEAKERS, AED547 LOEWE Ballet Runner 2.0 Sneakers BALLET RUNNER 2.0 SNEAKERS, AED3,050
Cosmopolitan ME
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
These Dubai brands are so soft-girl coded
Let's face it, you went through so many eras already. Whether it's the siren-eyes, aegyo-sal, wannabe streetwear girlie, thrifter, maybe even dabbled in gamer girl energy, or perhaps even corporate fashion. One thing you haven't aced yet, though? The soft girl. Dubai is home to a slew of It-girl-worthy brands, but only a few in the city have surely clocked the right amount of finesse when it comes to soft girl core. Between the frilly dresses, coquette design, and the fan-favourite flowy volumes (obsessed is an understatement), Cosmo ME has curated a list of the best soft-girl-coded brands to cop in the city. Faye by Fashionist There's nothing like a cute feminine dress that screams Disney princess. This Dubai-based brand curates your fave bold silhouettes with breathable fabrics that we all oh-so-love. While keeping their dresses uber modest, you can channel soft girl energy with their dreamy designs. Click here to shop. The Style Vault Dubai girls, you're going to love The Style Vault fr. This brand embraces minimalist fashion and is perfect for mid-sized women. From its iconic Classic Velvet Maxi Dress, which is a must for girly outings, and the modest flared dress in purple that makes you never want to stop twirling! Click here to shop. Dee Closet The soft girl aesthetic doesn't always have to be flowy. Sometimes, it can be flattering pastel figure-hugging dresses that is simply tres chic. With Dee Closet, you can cop some light-hued dresses with a sweeping shoulder veil. Click here to shop Ninas Soft girl, but make it abaya fashion seems to be Ninas' energy. At Ninas, you can find all your soft-hued abayas with floral prints in equally stunning modern designs. Our top pic? A straight-cut chiffon abaya in off-white with pink flowers! Click here to shop. Faraway Founded by sisters and besties Maimona and Nora Bawazir, Faraway is all about making fashion feminine and dreamy again. Going for that soft ethereal glow, Faraway's designs are filled with flowy silhouettes from dresses to casual outerwear. Click here to shop. Want a go for streetwear? Check out these brands.
