Who doesn’t love a good pair of sneakers?
Sneakers are not only one of the most comfortable footwear available, they’ve also been gaining market traction over the years. In fact, a report by Grand View Research, Inc has stated that the global athletic footwear market is estimated to be worth over US$95 billion by 2025 – that’s almost thirty percent of Singapore’s 2017 gross domestic product (GDP).
Photo: RedValentino
And being top women’s magazine in Singapore, Her World got first dibs to reveal RedValentino’s launch of their first technical sneakers as part of their Pre-Spring 2019 collection.
The brand is the diffusion line of Italian luxury label Valentino, targeting a younger demographic with a more youthful approach and accessible price points. That’s why the sneaker is an obvious addition to the label.
But you might ask, what is a technical sneaker? Beyond the stylish designs that RedValentino is known for, the technical sneaker combines fashion with function. In the spirit of modernising archival silhouettes (which creative designer Pierpaolo Piccioli has been doing), the traditional ballet shoe has been chosen as the muse for this design.
Photo: RedValentino
And this is where the functional part comes in – the new RedValentino sneakers not only draw inspiration from the silhouette of the ballet shoe, they also reproduce the flexibility and comfort needed by ballet dancers as they pirouette and plié. Neoprene and stretch knit also give the sneakers extra flexibility while keeping the shoe lightweight.
Top: Red (V) Red Ballet; Bottom: Red (V) Glam Run
This is done two ways.
Firstly, the sole, which features a unique microstud pattern with the brand’s signature star motif, is thicker at the heel and toe of the shoe while being thinner at the arch and this gives the sneaker that ballet shoe-like flexibility.
Secondly, much like traditional ballet flats, the ribbon details can be tied around the ankle. While it does not claim to provide extra security, we reckon that the ribbons impart a unique silhouette.
Done in two colourways – nude and black – the sneakers are available in two design options with four variations – high-cut sock shoe ($550) with and without the ribbon detail and a low-cut counterpart ($500) with and without the ribbon detail.
These sneakers are available starting today (Dec 5) at the REDValentino boutique in Ngee Ann City.
Photo: RedValentino
And here’s another exclusive: Come February 2019, two new colourways in red and baby blue will be made available with the brand’s Spring/Summer 2019 launch.
ALSO READ: VALENTINO’S PRE-FALL 2019 COLLECTION IS PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
