Sculptural heels: The arty shoe trend you need for SS18

With the trend for all things Nineties persevering, a new wave of footwear that puts comfort first has dominated the fashion scene for some time now.

So much so, that these days you’re more likely to find fashion editors sporting box-fresh sneakers than a pair of stilettos on the front row.

That is, until now. Perhaps in retaliation to the easygoing trainer, designers are now putting a modern, dramatic emphasis on heels in a bid to reimagine them in some seriously unconventional silhouettes.

Referred to as sculptural or architectural heels, these new iterations are challenging the notion of what we come to expect from slingbacks, mules and stilettos.

While they’re not a completely new trend – whispers of it trace back to Jimmy Choo’s stacked wooden heels in 2015, Vetements’ SS16 pop art cigarette lighter boots and Saint Laurent’s YSL logo heels for SS17 – the look now is more minimalistic and artful.

Available in many unique forms, leading the way this season are shoe designers like French-born Simon Porte Jacquemus and London-based, Korean national Rejina Pyo.

Jacquemus, Bahia Leather Sandals, £500, Net-a-Porter

The former presents mismatched block heels like the Bahia sandals that come stacked on wooden shapes or smooth, suede slingbacks set on sculptural heels inspired by the paintings of Picasso.

Meanwhile, Pyo too nods to her love of art with sculptural designs such as the Lottie mules, which come set on the label’s signature pebble-shaped heel.

Rejina Pyo, Barbara Suede Pumps, £495, Net-a-Porter

It’s a trend that’s showing no signs of slowing either. For autumn/winter 2018, British heritage brand Mulberry showcased the Victoria shoe, inspired by exquisite footwear from the 19th century and heels influenced by vintage designs of porcelain sweet boxes.

While these works of footwear architecture will certainly allow you to put your best foot forwards this spring, there’s no need to feel the burden of a high-fashion price tag.

Metal Heel Leather Mules, £69.99, Mango

Luckily, plenty of high street stores, including Mango, Zara and & Other Stories, are all offering their own versions of the sculptural heel.

However much you choose to spend, remember to treat these creations much like a work of art. They’re far too impressive not to show off, so we suggest keeping hemlines above the ankle for perfect shoe showcasing.

O-Ring Metallic Heeled Sandals, £89, & Other Stories

Mid-Heel Dotted Mesh Sandals, £39.99, Zara