The Gladiator

Mon 24th Aug 2009


There is one relationship that every female fashionista can relate to. A relationship, which represents the perfect partnership; a modish blend of physical and emotional gratification.

The fashion imperative item, which epitomises the ultimate partner, is a guilt free pleasure that won't talk back, or choose boys and booze over bonding. This mystery item is a historical icon and necessity, which has morphed into an obsession for many women - what I like to term a "necessary obsession".

If this elusive jargon has conjured up images in your mind of Manolo Blahniks or Carrie's enviable and endless shoe collection in Sex and The City, you're onto it slynkey girl!

The shoe I am currently 'healthily' (cough cough) obsessing over and the object of my desire as I exercise my therapeutic prowess, has origins which date back to Roman times. This month, (and by the look of the summer ranges filling our stores) for the forthcoming year - we need to show big love to the gladiator shoe.

The 'gladiator', which morphs into a form for every fashion fancy: heel, flat or wedge, is ubiquitous, adoring every shelf, catwalk and fashionista around the globe.

slynkey girls can find these in every colour and style: Witchery has produced their trademark flat, metallic sandals with a gladiator/ oriental element to them (hence their code-names Caesar and Sultan) whilst Wild Pair is acting true to its title and strutting to a contemporary beat. Fusing fierce with fashionable, these fashion forward trendsetters are breathing life into super high heels and thick metallic buckles.

The price of gladiators is like any item, dependent on where you are buying them from, but, given that these shoes are trans-seasonal and we are approaching a new season of sun (which means winter sales!) slynkey girls will be able to purchase most styles at a reasonable rate and have fun teaming them with both winter and summer outfits - think skinny jeans, high waisted skirts and maxi dresses!

Pictured are a few styles for you slynkey girls, which boast fashion flexibility and won't break the bank.
(Top to bottom: Orbit (Code Morpehus) from Wild Pair on sale $49.90, Gladdy (Gladiator) sandal from Witchery $129.95 (AU) and Lipstik (Code Pallas) from Andrea Biani $139.90)

By Kate Pierson - Christchurch