Isabel Marant SS19

In her signature nonchalant manner and French-girl style, the slouchy-chic designer initially did her best to remain an underground secret. “I don’t want to be on every corner,” said Marant in a past interview. “If I open everywhere, then it becomes common. I don’t want to overflow the world with Isabel Marant.”

But when the label launched a new parlance by the name of Bobby in 2011 – a clever high-top suede wedged sneaker with velcro strapping and an in-built heel – it became one of the biggest runway-to-real-life hits of our time. Described best in long-form as a “dressed-up-version-of-dressed-down-cool”, the style was quickly emulated by a myriad of knock-off brands across the world – and a must-have staple in a woman’s contemporary wardrobe. In short, there was now nothing uncommon about Marant.

“What I don’t like is [the copies] spread your style everywhere. Something you are doing gets old in a minute,” Marant said at the time. “It takes such time to achieve something well and find the right way of doing things. But what can you do?”

While the designer may prefer to whisper her luxury credentials, this SS19 season Marant offered up another fly-off-the-shelf party boot: always slouchy, silver accents for spring and one with the walkable guarantee. (Read: you can stride instead of totter in a way you could never in a pair of Celiné four-inchers.) It was as though my feet were being tickled with excitement watching Kaia Gerber – young and sweet, only 17 – glide the heart-thumping boots down the runway in the Tuileries in Paris. Across lots of brands – Saint Laurent and Balmain – a lower-wedge high boot was making a comeback with Marant sealing the trifecta. Yes, even just for a temporary reprieve, (comfortable) boots are winning the shoe wars. Imagine what we women can achieve if our feet aren’t pulsating at 11pm and we still have two feet firmly planted on the ground dance floor.

Speaking of which, this isn’t the Last Days of Disco as Marant’s collection name suggests. In a boot like that, the dancing will never stop. Side-note: Cher’s ABBA cover of Dancing Queen just dropped to accompany.

Just a little thought for your weekend ‘when the lights are low and you’re looking out for a place to go…’