Comfort With Fashion

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30364, 13 February 1964, Page 2

Comfort With Fashion

The most fashionable shoes today are also the most comfortable, according to Mr David Halls, an Auckland shoe fashion designer, who returned to New Zealand recently from a world . tour. “The toe is slightly rounder and the shoe is just that shade broader to make aU the difference between a happy foot and a pinched one,” he said. Mr Halls, who included London, Paris, Rome, and New York on his world tour of footwear fashion designers, said the new stacked heel was largely responsible for the trend back to comfort. Carrying the aura of fashion, it would appeal to the young girl as well as the matron. Because there are so many styles available with stacked heels, they are considered correct for all day occasions.

They have been made with the new high-fronted look with cut-outs and low sides, with contrast collar trims, with baby-Louis shaped heels, in many dress and casual styles. They are expected to replace flats for leisure wear. Bar and instep straps, which were featured during the summer, will take on a new importance for the winter. according to Mr Halls. Boots, ranging from ankle to knee-length, will be much more popular in New Zealand this winter. Galosh boots, with finely ribbed rubber soles, he expects, will have a special appeal, as they are attractive as well as being practical for the races, football matches, and country wear. The well-cut, plain court shoe is still the favourite for formal wear, with the most popular height for the slim high heel at 2 j inches. Slingbacks are still fashion news. Black will be predominant, with browns strongly represented. Two new fashion colours are “pipit” (a neutral shade of taupe) and

hickory (a rich gold tan). Patent leather will be used increasingly with other skins, such as suede. Suede will also be teamed with kid, Mr Halls said.