Must-have luxury sneakers in 2020

Trendy, stylish and luxury sneakers are perfect for any occasion. Producers of luxury goods, including Gucci, Balenciaga and Prada have redefined the image and stature of smart casual and upped the ante on comfortable and fashionable footwear. Made of premium fabrics and other top quality materials, designer sneakers are increasingly accepted in formal occasions, including business meetings, even as they elevate the stature of casual outfits.

For a business-casual attire

To stay atop fashion trends while being stylish and comfortable at the same time, go for elegant black and white sneakers, especially a pair with high standards of quality and craftsmanship. Balmain and Chanel both stripped down their sneakers offerings in a tasteful style that best suits a smartly-dressed gentleman and a heel-loving woman. The result of their initiative is the Balmain White & Black logo B-court and Chanel Leather, Nylon & Grosgrain Sneakers. Balmain’s sneakers are made of high-quality leather, with extra padding and a glossy rubber trip. Suede and calfskin are employed in Chanel’s chunky sneakers. Both lines of sneakers are made to provide users with a classy but comfortable look whether headed to a formal business meeting or a cocktails social event.  

For Him: Balmain White & Black logo B-court; For Her: Chanel Leather, Nylon & Grosgrain Sneakers

For a spark of glamour

Complete an ultra-modern outfit with a limited-edition golden high-cut kicks by luxury designer Céline or a new-in-style metallic rose gold sneakers by Valentino. These shoes exude a flashy accent that complements an ultra-hip and modern look that will certainly grab people’s attention. Both the Céline Triomphe and Valentino Bounce are made with calfskin leather and rubber outsoles that truly deliver comfort and luxury in one package. 

For Him: Celine Triomphe Gold High-Top; For Her: Valentino Bounce

For the trendsetter

The ultimate trendsetting sneakers released in Fall/Winter 2020 are a product of the much-anticipated collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West, as well as Prada. The Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Yecheil and the Prada Cloudbust Thunder in Yellow are deluxe accessories created for the fashionistas and are two of the most highly-anticipated pairs of kicks this season. 

For Him: Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Yecheil; For Her: Prada Cloudbust Thunder

For the vintage lover

Complete a vintage outfit with a pair of retro-inspired kicks made with top-of-the-line materials and designed by Gucci. The Italian luxury brand has toned down its eclectic style with a throwback to retro looks with its Gucci Screener and Gucci Ultrapace. The design, inspired by classic running and skate shoes from the 70s and 90s, fashions a deliberate down-at-heel look and the iconic GG logo that provides vintage lovers an accessory to complete their throwback vibe.

For Him: Gucci Screener; For Her: Gucci Ultrapace

For versatility

Every sneakers enthusiast must own a pair of pure white and all-black pairs of sneakers. They are the most versatile of colours when it comes to pairing with outfits. Finish your look with a clean and sleek appearance. A classic pure white pair beloved by both men and women is the Gavia Bianco by luxury Italian shoe producer, Koio. In the all-black footwear segment, high-end brands are leading the pack with their classic and comfortable accessories for all genders. While the Superstar Sneakers by Prada and Adidas are championed by athletes and musicians as among the most comfortable shoes in the market, the Balenciaga Black Speed is positioned and designed with a stretch knit high-top and features a Memory Sole for premium comfort. 

For pure white: Koio’s Gavia Bianco; For pure black: Balenciaga Black Speed or Prada x Adidas Superstar Sneakers

Eternal knot: Favoured by high fashion and high street fashion, scarves are here to stay

As any fashionista would vouch for, scarves are the true chameleon among accessories. Made iconic by yesteryear Tinseltown divas like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, this most versatile of accessories seems to have stood the test of time and fickle fashion trends much better than others.

scarves
Audrey Hepburn immortalised the humble scarf for posterity. Img courtesy: abposters

Inevitably adding to its appeal is the fact that scarves are truly for all seasons – whether you wrap a cashmere one around your neck during winters or throw a sheer chiffon one over your dress for a summer’s day date. Bestowed with a beguiling versatility, a scarf can glam up an otherwise plain dress or can even act as a sarong on a beach day. Even the dapper gentlemen are not blind to the allure of this humble piece of clothing, with everyone from football star Cristiano Ronaldo to silver-screen heartthrobs like Johnny Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch jauntily sporting the scarf. Not surprisingly then, for the Fall Winter 2018 season, the runways have been awash with this particular accessory, with each brand trying to beat the next in the game of one-upmanship with a plethora of unique styles and combinations, highlighting the scarf. Check out the gallery below for the best scarf looks from this season.

P.S. Just one secret tip from the fashion pundits – lose the infinity scarf already, before it is winter.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay