No21

Miu Miu pre-fall 2016

You’re about to read this post, but simultaneously you’re an absolute nay-sayer to socks? Better leave, bye.

But if you feel a long-lasting affair with this, somewhat, unconventional topic, then me and you are in the same club. Thick socks are no longer just there, to keep you warm in winter; white socks aren’t reserved for the bald pals from the bloc (or, so-called Gosha boys – a more high-end, fashion term); graphic socks worn with trainers don’t shout, “I’m a hipster” (wait, is somebody still using this word? Take them out of their cave, please!). Sadly, this footwear necessity of every wardrobe used to be laughed at because of all those stereotypes rooted in society’s heads. Fashion industry, fortunately, decided to support those poor, little socks, pimping them up and making a statement – socks are as important in accessories game as your handbag, headband or, yeah, shoes. So, who’s laughing now?

Lotta Volkova nailing a Soviet, school-girl look / Vetements autumn-winter 2016

Miuccia Prada can be easily called a pioneer of introducing socks to the world of glamorous, high fashion. Last few decades ago, she was brave enough to make them look modern-day elegant and chic on her runway. Today, in both of her brands, Prada and Miu Miu, socks are the best-selling pieces world-wide. For autumn/winter season, Miuccia styled biscuity-brown, up-to-the-knee socks with velvet platforms at Miu; for resort 2017, she pulled off a line of fashionably unfashionable colourful checks and stripes, (not)matching the bricollage ballerina flats. At the main line’s spring/summer 2017 show for men, Prada was into in-land trekking, and – prepare, haters – her models wore bold socks with Teva-like sandals. Ha!

Prada autumn-winter 2016

Having fun / Miu Miu resort 2017

Prada men’s spring-summer 2017

Another socks-loving designer is Alessandro Dell’AcQua, founder of Milan-based No21 and creative director of Rochas, a French couture house. With grace, the designer styles embroidered socks with embellished kitten-heels and satin platforms. In the result, his combinations with colour and texture appear to have a spontanous, soigné manner, oozing with lady-like appeal. Alessandro Michele, the man behind Gucci‘s re-birth, searched deep in British fashion culture for his resort 2017 show. The effect? Deluxe Camden market girls in thrift-shop-like fur coats fancy edgy, very kitschy lace knee-socks in the most vibrant shades.

Lace socks with studded ruffle elements. Legendary. / Gucci resort 2017

Rochas + Kappa / Rochas autumn-winter 2016

Rochas resort 2017

Electric blue, polished burgundy and sweet pastels / Rochas autumn-winter 2016

No21 pre-fall 2016

Gucci resort 2017

There is no precise number of socks varieties – but the season’s most off-kilter version was delivered by Acne Studios. Add ‘body-socks’ to your vocabulary. In other words, this is an extremely intriguing something between skinny pants and sheer tights. If you’re heading for this one, consider experimenting with leopard print (fashion show way).