Latest update January 14th, 2021 6:19 PM
Deconstructing the Ongoing Appeal of Gold Shoes
Rose gold may be a trending colour, but the gold palette in all its various names has always been a good choice in designer shoes. It’s a warm colour that enhances earth tones and brightens basics.
Many of us have a secret love affair with gold shoes, relishing their delicate, glamorous accent and touch of fun that they bring to an outfit. Today, gold is the new neutral or nude, because it can be worn with any colour and suits a full range of skin tones.
What is the appeal of gold designer shoes?
Gold shoes can serve as a statement piece when combined with white, black or neutral outfits. A pair of gold designer shoes can take pride of place in your wardrobe, as well suited to formal and evening wear as they are to pretty day frocks.
While they are especially popular for enhancing bridal dresses, a pair of gold shoes is one of those fashion classics that are perfect for different occasions, all year round.
The nuances in the range of gold, whether as an accent or full shoe shade, make it ideal for both blending in with a scheme and making it pop at the same time. When this is combined with the elegant lines and lovingly crafted style of designer shoes, the effect is irresistible. It makes any outfit instantly prettier and more polished.
The golden colour palette
Modern high fashion footwear often includes a nod to classic revivals, vintage and retro styles and colours, but with subtle tweaking to give it an edge.
The first recorded use of golden as a colour name in English was in 1300 to refer to the element gold. Old gold is more of a dark yellow. Crayola introduced pale gold in 1903, while harvest gold was used to describe a colour in England in 1923. Today, web colours include goldenrod, vegas gold, satin sheen and golden brown.
But none of these truly capture the breathtaking range of gold in designer shoes. Think of Rachel Simpson names such as Bonita gold, Gigi gold, Ginger gold, Maria gold and Mimosa rose gold. It reflects delicate femininity and boldness at the same time. Psychologically, the gold colour suggests illumination and wisdom.
Going beyond the surface: the deep history of gold shoes
As far back as the 1700s, gold thread was embroidered into shoes. By the 1800s, buckles became more elaborate with gold shoe jewellery becoming popular amongst those who could afford it. By the 19th century, plain leather footwear became the mode, but neutrals of white and tan were complemented by the dark tones of the classical world, such as the red found in Pompeii, green and rich gold.
As the 19th century came to a close, many Victorian ladies began to don the fashionable butter, lemon and gold colours of the time in their evening slippers with their evening dresses.
Together with this colour trend, after the mid 1850s, heels were re-introduced for ladies as their skirts tipped and swung upwards, exposing the foot. By the 1920s, hemlines had crept up the leg to expose ankles and curves. By the 1930s, colour, shape and decoration exploded into foot fashion.
Modern gold designer shoes
The Rachel Simpson range brings gold designer shoes within the reach of modern brides, and they can be worn for special occasions and then kept as a wardrobe staple for any outfit, even a pair of jeans. Here’s some ideas when you’re looking for just the right pair of gold designer shoes.
- For a bit of sparkle and glamour
The Bonita Gold is the first and only glittery shoe created by Rachel Simpson. Glitter can look tacky, so it had to be done with taste. The glitter consists of iridescent ivory, and they catch the light in just the right way without overdoing it. The design is simple, old school Hollywood glamour and the front bow has a Marilyn Monroe vibe.
- For hard to match outfits
For those tricky outfits, a metallic shoe is the answer, and the shade of gold in the Floriana Bronze is extremely versatile. The looped design has a vintage look, and the intricate stitch work around each piece is very chic. It took many attempts on the drawing board to come up with the perfect shoe, and the result is a masterpiece.
- Modern and classic but not vintage
If the vintage look isn’t your style, the Gigi Gold is a classic with a touch of rock ‘n roll edge. The snakeskin panels and ankle strap give it a modern look. It’s glam and sexy without being over the top. They’re comfortable for daytime wear as well as adding a statement for special events when paired with a shoe clip to the centre piece.
- The golden dancing shoes
The Ginger Gold has all the elements of the classic Rachel Simpson design, including the t-bar. The design is inspired by the dancehalls of the 1920s. Named after Ginger Rogers, the shoes are comfortable enough to dance your way through the day and night, and their timeless style will last in your wardrobe for many years.
- Looking for a showstopper?
The Maria Gold is inspired by the glamour of the dancefloor. The intricate design and 24 spaghetti straps that make up the front of the shoe takes hours to make. The result is worth it, and with the vintage style knot in the centre, these gorgeous shoes are showstoppers. They are also extremely comfortable to wear.
- A signature rose gold pair of shoes
Back in 2013, the Mimosa Rose Gold was born and became a defining moment for Rachel Simpson shoes. It continues to be pinned on Pinterest, featured on Instagram and remains on many wish lists. The inspiration behind the design is hard to describe. It has undertones of art deco, but there is a nature-inspired influence too. It’s a combination of everything the designer loves, all in one adorable shoe.
Find a stockist near you and step into a perfect pair of gold designer shoes. Available either in store or online.
