Boost your spring/summer capsule wardrobe with an injection of timeless yet playful footwear styles lifted from Bronwyn’s latest seasonal offering. We spoke with the New Zealand designer on how to style the current trends, breathe new life into the outgoing styles, and why women should never trade off comfort for style.
Trend report with Bronwyn designer Sarah Street
“I think there’s [been] a focused shift in thinking when it comes to fashion and styling,” says Bronwyn’s designer Sarah Street. “The quintessential ’90s aesthetic was really in response to the overstated decades prior. So minimalism was a focus, and so was comfort.”
“I think we’re seeing a lot of resurgence of ’90s/’00s styling as a response to the pandemic and the global economy, but also I see it in relation to how Women view themselves currently. We’re more confident, we’re exploring proportion, and we’re prioritising comfort more than ever. Comfort no longer means boring, it’s chic and it’s cool, and it’s essentially a non-negotiable for us now, so we’re really having fun exploring that in our styling.
“Billie is a perfect example of this; a ’90s toe thong paired with a platform, with padding on the strap and underfoot and a gentle rocker on the platform to support the natural foot movement, it’s the ultimate ’90s sandal!”
#1 The '90s flatform:
#2 The modern minimalist slide:
How will you be wearing these styles this summer?
“I love pairing all my Bronwyn sandals at the moment with a mix of baggy denim or wide-leg pants, I love a set at the moment (double denim is a vibe) and oversized shirts layered over dresses/skirts. I’m really inspired by French and Scandinavian street style but also gravitate towards minimalism.”
What events, ocassions, or scenarios did you envision them being worn with?
“I think as women, regardless of our roles or stage of life, we’re always multitasking, and we’re always busy. Bronwyn as a business always has a focus on styles that serve multiple purposes with elevated detailing and comfort at the core. So I wanted each shoe in the range to be able to be worn with a more casual ensemble or dressed up to suit the wearer’s needs. My muse is always the Bronwyn customer, I think she appreciates simplicity but loves subtle details that refine each style.”
#3 The platform wedge:
#4 The utilitarian sandal:
“With simple silhouettes, the key is in the detail. Elevating simple shapes with refined lines and details is so important in each design I create for Bronwyn. Of course, comfort is also key, and constantly working on design and pattern tweaks to improve quality and comfort season after season. For example, Otto is a simple Scandinavian-inspired closed-toe mule but has the Bronwyn oval polished gold trim to elevate the style to the next level, with a cushioned insole and rubber sole for ultimate comfort. With our flatforms and wedges we’ve invested in moulds this season, so getting the height, shape and rocker right was key to ensuring the styles are perfect when on the foot and when walking.”
#5 The elevated closed-toe mule:
Styling tips to make last summer’s styles feel more relevant
“With Bronwyn, the focus is on designing styles that have nods to trend-inspired elements yet they’re also designed to be timeless. So last season sandals were still absolutely key. Freshen them up with a good clean and polish with a leather conditioner and you’re good to go!”
Visit Bronwyn’s flagship store in Ponsonby or nationwide stockists. Plus, shop the entire collection online at bronwynfootwear.com
