FUGLY SHOES

In my mind, I somehow convinced myself that the era of fugly shoes had finally ended (probably just wishful thinking on my part). However, it appears that the rumors of their demise have been greatly exaggerated. The word itself speaks volumes, effortlessly combining "fucking" and "ugly" into the delightful abbreviation of "fugly"( fucking ugly). Those who are more timid believe the acronym came from a combination of funky and ugly, they are wrong.

WHERE DID IT START

Exactly where this ongoing trend started, no one really knows. Sure, there has always been unattractive footwear, but this obsession with deliberately ugly shoes is something fairly new. Did it arise from legions of secretaries in skirts and sneakers commuting home, or was it the rebirth of the Birkenstock that did it? Who is responsible for this brazen ugliness? The Olsen twins and their followers were early converts to the granola sandal in 2016. How about Crocs? We've seen Balenciaga give Crocs a heel and dress them up. Kristopher Kane bejeweled his Crocs. Then there are the Uggs , so ugly they put it in the name. I blame Paris Hilton and her gang for popularizing this furry cross between a slipper and a boot back in 2018. Many more designers have played with eco-friendly-ish sandals, variations on clogs, and other such ugliness. Perhaps it was a conspiracy to put ugliness front and center.

FUGLY SHOES ON THE RUNWAY

Glancing over the S/S 2024 fashion weeks from New York to Paris, fugly shoes were all over the runways. The aesthetically displeasing Uggs, Crocs, flatforms, and chunky sneakers were shown on the catwalks. These shoes are all part of the wrong shoe movement in fashion. The idea is that one adds their own personal touch by adding the wrong or fugly shoe. Thinking that a wrong or fugly shoe could rock us out of our standards of taste is shocking. And therein lies the point.

FUGLY SHOES CHALLENGING BEAUTY STANDARDS

Ugly or not, questioning and challenging existing beauty standards is sometimes the goal. Now, let's be honest here. Fugly shoes are not exactly the epitome of fashion-forwardness. They may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they certainly have a way of making a statement. And boy, do they make a statement! These shoes boldly scream, "I don't care what you think. I'm here to rock my own unique style!"

Fugly shoes may not win any beauty contests; however, they possess an undeniable quirkiness that can't be replicated by any other footwear. They are the rebels of the shoe world, defying conventional norms and embracing their own peculiar allure.

Some may argue that "fugly" shoes are an acquired taste, and I agree. They require a certain level of confidence and audacity to pull off. But isn't that what fashion is all about? Pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and expressing ourselves in ways that may seem unconventional is a goal of fashion.

So, while fugly shoes may not be everyone's go-to choice, they undeniably have a place in the fashion realm. They serve as a reminder that style is subjective, and that it's perfectly okay to embrace the unconventional. After all, who wants to blend in with the crowd when you can stand out and make a bold fashion statement?

IN CONCLUSION

My dear fashion enthusiasts, while I won't be wearing fugly shoes any time soon, they can fulfill the fashion looks of some. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but ugliness...

CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW

READ other posts- My take on Trends from NYFW S/S 2024

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