Trend Alert: Mesh Chinese Slippers Are Back!
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Accumulating millions of views on TikTok, Chinese Slippers seem poised to overshadow espadrilles this summer. Among the various styles of this footwear, the ones made of Mesh appear to be the most sought after! Pearls, embroidery, and other vibrant colors adorn these shoes that are sure to surprise. Discover how this pair from the 2000s is making a strong comeback in today’s trends.
What are Chinese slippers?
Fisherman sandals and other babies better watch out, as Chinese slippers are determined to flip the trends this summer!
Now seen through a couture lens, these shoes have long been considered low-end pieces. Purchased for just a few euros or dollars, they quickly gained popularity thanks to their economic advantage (particularly among immigrant households in the United States in the ’90s, cf. @thenewsmovement). Practical and comfortable, they continued to charm in the 2000s, becoming a signature piece of Y2K looks of the time.
However, despite some attempts (like at Balenciaga in 2016), Chinese slippers failed to endure and fell into oblivion… But, the trend is about to change. Because, yes, our love for retro is providing a new era of glory for these Chinese mules, especially for one of their variations: mesh slippers.
How are mesh slippers making their mark in trends?
Among the mules that will shine this summer, mesh slippers are set to be the it-piece. This airy textile, resembling netting or crochet, aligns directly with the trend for transparent pieces (dictating the designs of recent collections). It is adorned with pearls, diamonds, and other sequins, and comes in a variety of colors.
These mesh slippers are now gracing runways and leaving behind their low prices to become trendy and more expensive pieces. We find them priced between 40-50 € at retailers like Mango and Topshop, or exceeding a hundred at brands riding the wave of this phenomenon.
On the side of renowned houses and designers, Alaïa has made it a signature piece priced over 500€. Meanwhile, Nodaleto, which has dubbed it the icon of the season, offers the pair in various forms priced between 275 € – 550 €. And the Bulla Rina in Multicolor Flower Mesh is already sold out…
How are designers reinterpreting Chinese slippers?
While the traditional shape of Chinese slippers is that of flat mules with a round toe, we are rediscovering them this season in different silhouettes.
Similar to the original version, open-toed Chinese sandals reveal a beach slide spirit. Meanwhile, heeled models bring a touch of glam to the ensemble. Stiletto or wedge heels add height to the pair while maintaining its desired kitsch spirit.
Furthermore, mesh slippers seem to breathe new life into this textile, which extends beyond just footwear. Designers are incorporating this material into their creations and reinterpreting classics. We are seeing notably mesh ballerinas and other styles, as seen at The Row, the brand of the Olsen sisters.
In colorful and pearl-adorned styles or classic reimagined, which Chinese slippers will you succumb to?
Photos: Pinterest
