I am speechless. Raf Simons and Doc Marten took my favorite warm weather kick, the gladiator sandal, and turned it into a complete fashion fail. First and foremost, the idea of men wearing gladiator sandals is less than appealing, let alone men in gladiator sandals with a chunky rubber sole, paten-leather straps and tie-up shoelaces. This collaboration is a gothic mess and seems like it should appear on the shelves of Hot Topic, cheaply constructed by some no name designer, rather than a work partially designed by Raf Simons. Honestly, if I see any guy wearing these shoes come springtime, I will undoubtedly push him into oncoming traffic.

Thanks Pipeline!

Why is it that when I walk down the street I see more muffin tops than I do in a bakery? Okay, I get it, when the low-rise look came in everyone had to go out and get a pair to be cool but….in their own size! One of the most frightening things about fashion slaves is when their outfits look like they physically hurt. For example, foot bulge: it happens when a woman with a heavier physique tries to balance on those two little sticks otherwise known as stilettos. Seriously, watching these people reminds me of being at the circus looking at the clowns on stilts. You shouldn’t have to waddle to get to the buffet table.

I have a major case of arachnophobia, so when I see someone wearing those 18-straplong gladiator sandals I run away. It looks like the sandals first choked its prey before devouring it. It’s straight up creepy! Maybe its just me but I believe that any animal print ( especailly leopard) shouldn’t be wider than six inches; otherwise people think they can wear it in spandex and that’s a sight that can do damage to your corneas (like above). I wonder if these people looked in the mirror before they left the house and, if they did, what the hell were they thinking?!

I understand some might think, “oh but it’s in fashion!” What they seem to misunderstand is just because it looks good on a 90 pound model doesn’t means it’s going to look good on them. I guess their friends don’t like telling them about how they look for fear of being bitch slapped but someone has to do it.

I like new fashion trends. Especially because there is always the temptation to bring it up to the next level, which often results in huge missteps (though to be fair, fashion would be a boring, bland place without risk-takers). In this case, chanteuse Rihanna wears some over-the-top Balenciaga gladiators and, well, can’t quite swing it. This has nothing to do with her and her ability to pull off edgy fashion. Fact of the matter is, the Balenciaga label does not a sartorial success make. Now if there was an ankle-high version I could certainly jump on the bandwagon, but as these stand right now … these are channelling too much gladiator, not enough glam.

Although this trend has been around since last season, a recent trip to Forever 21 has proven the gladiator sandal’s status as official. Albeit cheaper, and therefore more likely to collapse at the most inconvenient of times, they were nonetheless cute. It wasn’t love at first sight when I first caught glimpse of the Balenciaga knee high version–atrociousness was more like it. But as new variants pop up all over the scene, I’ve become thoroughly enamored with their versatility and how they make an outfit seem so chic. I’m obsessed right now with BIBA’S tobacco high-heeled gladiator that I would gladly skip my car payment to own them. Great for summertime toes, they look best with mini hemlines (i.e. short shorts, mini skirts and dresses), and slim jeans.

Fashionista has just spotted a new trend; gladiator sandals worn over skinny jeans.

“It can look clumsy if you don’t have the right proportions for it (hint: if your legs are quite short, turn away from the screen), but there’s something intriguing about turning gladiator straps into a kind of accessory themselves, and it also stretches the shoes past their summer use into Spring and Fall.”

I have to admit that I must agree. Personally, I’ve never been much for any type of shoe worn over jeans (not even boots) but this is pretty awful. If you really want to show off your new pair of sandals, why not just wear shorts or a skirt?

Let us know what you think indies. Newest trend? or Just plain ugly.

Devotte, the much sought-after shoe and accessory brand, has partnered with uber-chic Los Angeles-based boutique Satine to develop a sandal for Spring/Summer 2008. The “Helena” Warrior flat was conceived by Devotte Creative Director, Nancy Kim who channeled Satine’s strong and sexy charms into her final design while maintaining the clean crisp aesthetic she has become known for. The results have thrilled not only her collaborator, Jeannie Lee of Satine, but critics and consumers alike. The sandals, available in two metallic shades, Graphite and Pewter, as well as a clean white, continue in Devotte’s tradition of creating styles that evoke the dedication and passion behind the old world craft of shoemaking, while featuring artful touches and coveted sentimental details. The “Helena” retails for $330 and can be found in Satine’s Tokyo location as well as online.

Searching through my second fave website, Popgloss.com (only second behind Fashion Indie of course), I found the coolest sandals. I’ve been trying to stay away from the ‘Gladiator Sandal” trend, yet it always attracts me. Then I found these, the Morgana Sandal from Free People. I know it’s surprising, but they are unique and very different than others I’ve seen recently. So kudos to whomever produced them, even if it is Free People, who are just one step away from being Urban Outfitters, but not on our shit list yet!