ECCO Spring/Summer 2012 Footwear Collection

For nearly five decades, the Scandinavian shoemaker ECCO has aimed to produce high quality, casual comfort shoes with a perfect fit. Their new Spring/Summer 2012 collection eloquently binds together stories of the past and visions of the future in an apt metaphor for ECCO itself. ECCO has remained true to its original design DNA while continuously striving to stay ahead of the curve in both comfort and style. The result for Spring/Summer 2012 is a mix of women’s and men’s footwear that ranges from the beautiful to the downright bizarre.

The Transition and Modern Romance collections extend bridges into the past and are the strongest offering from the Danish label. With a few exceptions, the Future Contrast and Sport/BIOM collections aren’t nearly as alluring as the Transition and Modern Romance designs. They generally come off as coloured orthopaedic footwear, lacking any real fashion forward appeal. Regardless, items such as the hybrid Golf Street golf/walking shoe appear to be a big hit for some.

Transition is a trend which can be experienced as a journey into a blossoming spring forest at dusk – the source of inspiration behind Transition’s subdued, natural look and feel. Modern Romance conjures up images of the romantic Scandinavia. On one hand a romantic and idyllic trend but on the other hand, the trend also embraces women’s femininity and sensuality in a subdued way.

The SS12 Collection features an abundance of materials ranging from yak leather to camel and nubuck. Its spirit of freedom and inventiveness creates a captivating medley of diverse yet well-synced styles. All shapes find their place as the old mixes with the new, unleashing a bold creative spirit and heralding a new era brimming with potential.

ECCO Women SS12 - (L-to-R) Moki, Kalac, Malmö, Moscow

WOMEN’S ECCO – Highlights of the women’s collection include the strappy ECCO Moki which is irresistibly sexy, sensual and strong – especially in cherry red. With a three inch high wooden platform with bold, intertwining straps that accentuate the ankles, the Moki exudes young Hollywood glamour and gives outfits a flirty yet elegant touch. Inspired by a quintessential Scandinavian summer look – dreamy, feminine and totally contemporary – the ECCO Kalac wedge pairs a pretty wooden platform with airy, hand-crocheted leather uppers. A remix of 70s style, the Kalac is infused with modern design elements and comes in the season’s hottest earthy tones. A flattering arch gives great lift while ensuring all-day comfort.

The ECCO Malmö are one of the exceptions from the predominantly bizarre Future Contrast collection. It transforms a Gatsby-era classic into a trendy ladies’ shoe. The men’s-style cap-toe oxford gets a feminine twist with a raised heel and polished leather uppers. A balanced blend of a nostalgic silhouette and up-to-date minimalist styling, the androgynous Malmö easily dresses up with both slim-fit, tailored suits and dresses down with cool linens, denim, and luxurious, summery beige dresses. Finally, with its sexy combination of a boxy wooden heel and elegant, seductively-shaped leather uppers, the morning-to-night ECCO Moscow pump pays tribute to the classic Mary Jane while giving it a distinctly modern vibe. Like its namesake, Moscow blends the best of many worlds, weaving together the season’s naturalist minimalism with its earth-toned materials and hues, simple yet feminine styling, and a level of comfort rare in a pump of this caliber.

ECCO Men SS12 - (L-to-R) Acapulco, Atley, Biarritz Shoe, Biarritz Desert Boot

MEN’S ECCO – The best of the men’s include the sleek, Western-inspired ECCO Acapulco Chelsea boot. The Acapulco’s trendy last and rugged look are rooted in this season’s earthy, naturalist vibe. Yet its polished, full-grain leather uppers pair with slim, lightweight leather soles for a sophisticated profile. With a bit more of a classic look, the black or brown ECCO Atley dress shoes have a timeless appeal and are comfortable enough to wear if you’re on your feet all day at those conferences. Our personal favourites have to be the polished ECCO Biarritz in both the perforated derby and desert boot variety. They combine a fashionable face with a supremely comfortable interior. The Biarritz gets its modern appeal from brushed, nubuck uppers in washed neutral tones with contrasting white soles. A truly fashion forward look, the Biarritz nonetheless remains lightweight and flexible thanks to a direct-injected, one-component PU light outsole that features a leather welt and shock absorption technology. Most of the men’s and women’s SS12 will be available at ECCO stores in February 2012. For more information please visit www.ecco.com.