Shoe designer Robert Clergerie Woos Asia
Mr. Clergerie launched his eponymous line in 1981, and his chunky, simple designs filled stores from Paris to New York. The French designer was also known for introducing men’s styles, especially the oxford, into women’s footwear. These days, however, his shoes have been overshadowed by flashier and daintier brands such as Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin.
Now Mr. Clergierie is heading to Hong Kong to collaborate with Lane Crawford on an exclusive lace-up shoe designed for the store, as well as to meet and greet fashion-design students at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This collaboration may be just what he needs — Lane Crawford is known for bringing in buzzy designers that enhance its edgy fashion insight. And the current retro trend inspired by 1970s fashion –including oxfords on women — could signal a renewed interest in Robert Clergerie shoes.
Oxfords on women! You’ll never catch me wearing them. I was forced to wear them for almost half of my life as part of my dull school uniform. Only plain navy blue for about 16 years! It’s a wonder how I have any form of creativity in me at all.
If I tried to change anything like the laces or add a flower button, I was sent to detention. Needless to day, detention was my second home back then.