A lot has changed in the fashion industry over the last 10 years. When this decade began, the possibility of a career as an influencer didn't even exist yet, nor was there an entire industry dedicated to street style.
As a concept street style has been around for decades—after all, famed-photographer Bill Cunningham was photographing fashionable New Yorkers way back in the '70s—though, the movement gained unprecedented traction in the 2010s, creating an entire world in and of itself.
With the decade drawing to a close, we thought now was a good a time as any to take a walk down memory lane and explore the trends that dominated street style over the past 10 years. Today, we're starting with the decade's most popular shoes. Remember when Gucci's fur loafers were a veritable must-have? Or when every editor owned a pair of Miu Miu's buckle ballet flats? We certainly do. Without further ado, here are the shoes that made the decade.
Valentino Rockstud
Style Notes: Originally released in 2010, Valentino's rockstud heels have been a favourite for some time. Spotted on J.Lo earlier this year, the heels have miraculously managed to maintain their popularity for the better part of a decade.
Prada Flame Heel
Style Notes: While most will remember the Prada flame heel as a standout from only a few seasons ago, the shoes were actually originally released in 2012. Miuccia Prada re-designed the statement shoes as a part of the brand's A/W 18 collection, but fashion veterans such as Anna Dello Russo (pictured) first wore the heels around six years earlier.
Stella McCartney Star Elyse Platform
Style Notes: Originally released in A/W 14, Stella McCartney's Star Elyse Platforms gained an almost cult-like status seen on both celebrities and the street style set.
Balenciaga Ceinture Boots
Style Notes: Released by former creative director Nicolas Ghesquière in 2011, Balenciaga's chunky Ceinture ankle boots became a fast favourite. The shoes are still available to purchase to this day, but were a sellout in the year they launched after being spotted on pop-sensation Rihanna.
Chloé Susanna Boots
Style Notes: Originally released in 2008, Chloé's Susanna Boots garnered the attention of style stars including Sienna Miller and Kate Bosworth. The brand re-released the shoes in 2012 and surprisingly, they were just as coveted four years later.
Miu Miu Ballerinas
Style Notes: Instantly recognisable thanks to the mismatched ribbon detail, Miu Miu's ballerina flats were undoutedly the breakout star of the brand's S/S 16 collection.
Gucci Fur Loafers
Style Notes: When Alessandro Michele took the helm of Gucci in 2015, he debuted many statement accessories, though nothing took off quite like the fur-lined loafer. The shoes—a reimagined version of the brand's classic horse-bit loafer—became a must-have amongst in-the-know editors, and was ubiquitous in the offices of major publications.
Chanel Sling-Backs
Style Notes: While initially the brainchild of Coco Chanel, designed over 60 years ago, the Chanel slingback has been a staple for quite some time. The perennially popular shoes encountered a resurgence in 2015 when Karl Lagerfeld debuted a reimagined version on the A/W runway.
Adidas Stan Smiths
Style Notes: Named after famed tennis player Stan Smith, this Adidas sneaker was first launched in 1963, but only really gained the attention of the fashion industry upon its re-release in 2014.
Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers
Style Notes: Released in 2017, the Balenciaga Triple S sneaker was the buzzy follow up to the brand's already popular Speed Trainer. Designed by Demna Gvasalia, the shoes became the epitome of the year's dad sneaker trend.
Bottega Veneta Stretch Sandals
Style Notes: Call it the Daniel Lee effect, but since the designer took the reins at Bottega Veneta the brand has become a bonafide street style favourite. From the pouch bag to the square-toe sandals, this year, the designer's pieces were just about everywhere.
Next up, see all the must-know trends for spring/summer 2020.
