Saint Laurent’s latest men’s shoe collection features a certain retro glamour that wouldn’t be out of place in Velvet Goldmine. Hedi Slimane is known for his refined rock n’ roll aesthetic, and so these glittery new kicks come as no surprise. The Tunisian/French photographer and fashion designer was creative director for Saint Laurent from 2012 to 2016. This particular collection, which debuted recently at the label’s runway show in Los Angeles, marks Slimane’s last for the company.
Many of the shoes feature an androgynous, flamboyant edge, with stacked heels and glittery details. One of the featured shoes is a stylish sneaker with a California-esque motif of glittering palm trees. Texture is an important element of the collection, and there is a lot of velvet, shimmering metallics, and embossed patterns.
It seems that Slimane has achieved a lot in his four year mission to “reposition” the brand. “What Yves Saint Laurent has achieved over the past four years represents a unique chapter in the history of the house,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of Kering, the French luxury goods holding company that owns Saint Laurent. “I am very grateful to Hedi Slimane, and the whole Yves Saint Laurent team, for having set the path that the house has successfully embraced, and which will grant longevity to this legendary brand.”
