14 DAY TRIAL // Gladiator-style footwear has been around for more than a decade, although it truly took center stage this past season, mainly because an unprecedented number of designers have decided to adopt this fierce style, add a few twists and quirks and parade it around the world for maximum exposure. Whether we're talking knee-high boots, delicate, embellished metallic flats, high-heels or chunky platform shoes, the criss-cross strappy trend is quickly taking over the fashion podiums and star-studded red carpet events all over the world. Here are a few essential things to know about the gladiator trend and how best to pair up these statement shoes.
Supermodels such as Kate Moss or Elle Macpherson brought the gladiator style to prominence two years ago - however, not everything about this fashion trend is as fierce and warrior-like as these famous catwalk queens would like us to believe. However, one thing cannot be denied: gladiator-style footwear does make quite a fashion statement, especially when we're talking Givenchy's heavy-duty shoe-boots. These tottering heels combine two of the season's "it" tendencies - the strappy gladiator style and the ankle-boots.
Gwyneth Paltrow opted for such a pair while promoting her latest movie "Iron Man" and her fashion-forward choices definitely didn't go unnoticed. As a result, the gladiator style is now regarded as ultra-fashionable irrespective of whether we're talking metallic flats or rather more vertiginous high heels. Pair them up with opaque tights, boot-cut or skinny jeans for added glamor, or if we're talking flats, a flowing flowery dress works just as well with a pair of silver or golden sandals.
The more ornate flats and the chunky platforms also work well with shift dresses, smokes or tunics. They're at home on the beach, in fashionable urban bars and clubs or on pretty much any social occasion, provided you pair them up with the right clothes and accessories. The flat sandals also work well with most types of draped dresses, such as the Grecian goddess gowns or any other layered gowns, be they ankle-long or shorter. For an ultra chic look, team up a pair of ankle-high gladiator-style shoe-boots with a pair of fluid wide-legged pants and you'll be sure to turn heads wherever you go.
