The second and third days in Vegas rolled around like you wouldn’t believe, and before I knew it I’d explored FN Platform top to bottom, with a new, and pretty extensive knowledge of all things shoe and a pretty large wish list to boot!
With the second day set to be based around the area of Camp, we explored the booths packed with more practical footwear- and everything from soft soled cushion numbers, Western inspired Cowboy boots and more breathable soles than you could shake a sweaty foot at (sorry for the image there). Picking out pairs from menswear (turned womenswear) brogue brand Johnston & Murphy, classics Geox, G.H Bass & Co and Hush Puppies– it was amazing to learn about how shoe technology has truly developed, and that comfortable easy to wear shoes don’t have to be clumpy out of trend pieces.
After lunch we were treated to a question and answer session with the uber talented reality star-turned-shoe designer (and absolute babe) Kristin Cavallari, to learn about her amazing collaboration with Chinese Laundry and the inspiration behind the collection. Apart from having to sit next to her and feel like the most pale/unattractive person in the whole of the U.S (have you seen her smile) it was great to hear about what spurred her to create the ‘new nude’ flats, gorgeous shoes with rose gold detailing- and shoes that not only oozed practicality, but style too. Who’d have thunk it?
Additionally, the third and final day was similarly based around the Eco and Active camps, and was interesting to discover brands with a huge focus on comfort and sustainability. I discovered Portuguese designed and produced Fidji and versatile Mark Lemp footwear- who specialize in wide, narrow and made to measure shoes- pretty top notch for a wide footed gal like myself. The chat also brought discussion of comfort trends across the globe; with one shoe in mind- the Birkenstock. Having made it’s come back in the UK (yes Celine and Birkenstock is now a ‘thing’) it was interesting to see how it’s still solely (see what I did there?) recognized as a comfort shoe across the pond- however, judging by a certain shoe at the Rachel Zoe booth, it may just be about to catch on.
To wrap up the day, we revisited Black Diamond. I picked out two pairs, one from Italian based Fratelli Rossetti (reminiscent of Russell and Bromley) and another from Brunate (classic pieces with comfort features)- equating to two varied, yet equally luxurious finds. Additionally, before we left it was nice to pop over to the main WWD hall, and get a feel for some new clothing brands too. I was lucky enough to be given a couple of pieces by retro inspired Unique Vintage, cosy knitwear from Lush and Korean based Dolly & Molly– so keep your eyes peeled for outfit posts soon- you won’t be disappointed.
Our final evening in Vegas was spent exploring parts of the old town, and Freemont Street- a road I’d only ever heard of in a Panic! At The Disco song- cool ‘eh? Beginning at the Golden Nugget, and one of Vegas’ oldest buffets, we sat down for one last meal, before hitting the Freemont Strip and dipping in and out of tacky (but pretty cool) gift shops and stopping for the the light show (which was accompanied by a soundtrack of The Doors, not bad at all). After taking a limo back (c/o of Kelsi’s amazing casino win) we dragged ourselves back to the room, to prepare ourselves for a breakfast at Tiffany’s and a long plane ride home.
x
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