The Nordic tastemakers are clicking their heels three times – Wizard of Oz style – this holiday season, stepping out in fabulous red party footwear to rival Dorothy's red slippers
The end of 2023 has truly been the season for red. From Gucci's tone-setting ruby stockings to celebrities roaming the red carpets in crimson, the colour has captivated our curiosities – resulting in an onslaught of scarlet fever.
The latest red to ravish our sartorial senses? Shoes, be they tall suede boots or lacquered stilettos. The vast variety of red footwear on offer first appeared in the autumn/winter '23 collection almost a year ago. Across Europe's fashion weeks, ruby slippers dominated the runways: from Ferragamo's shiny two-strap swerved block heels to Prada's classic pumps and Hermès slouchy boots.
Ferragamo AW23.
Prada AW23.
Hermès AW23.
The runway trend was quick to take effect on the streets. While celebrities and influencers have their undeniable impact, few individuals sway our favours as fast as royalty – and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden just gave her royal stamp of approval to red shoes.
Stepping out in Toteme's signature coat (which was recently spotted on Jennifer Lawrence), the future Swedish queen matched her Victoria Beckham dress with surprisingly affordable (but sadly out-of-stock) scarlet suede heels by Rizzo and Swedish-designed red leather gloved by Handsome Stockholm.
Photo: @kungahuset
Red footwear has also been especially favoured among former Vogue Scandinavia cover stars. Elsa Hosk went top-to-toe red in a recent Instagram post, posting in a Simkhai-designed Wolford piece and Magda Butrym coat, grounded with red pumped from an upcoming collection by her own brand Helsa.
Photo: Thora Valdimars (@thoravaldimars)
Photo: Elsa Hosk (@hoskelsa)
Photo: Marianne Theodorsen (@mariannetheodorsen)
Photo: Matilda Djerf (@matildadjerf)
Meanwhile, Matilda Djerf – who appeared on Vogue Scandinavia's latest digital cover – and Marianne Theodorse – one of our latest quartet of cover stars – both opted for flat versions of the trend. Djerf, the quintessential Scandi girl, styled hers with a crisp white cotton shirt and a beige denim skirt. Our favourite maximalist and colour-fiend Theodorsen, however, stuffed butter yellow socks in her ruby slippers, sporting washed-out denim and a black bedazzled jacket.
If there's one thing we know for sure when it comes to picking your next party shoe this holiday season, it is that we're not in Kansas anymore.
