These quintessential Chanel shoes were designed by Gabrielle Chanel, and debuted to the public in 1957. Instantly coined by the press as “the New Cinderella Slipper”, these iconic pumps are soft, elegant, and will make you feel like a princess.
I’ve dotted a few pre-loved as well as new piece throughout this post – happy shopping!
REINVENTION
Although debuting in 1957, these now iconic pumps made a feature on Chanel’s feet back in 1937. They were originally inspired by men’s shoes, and created with a flattering, elongating style. Today’s modern interpretation made their appearance on the Fall/Winter 15/16 catwalk, and it has been reimagined with various colours, prints and textures since.
- Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. Quilted white and black combination.
- Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. Gorgeous navy and black lace Slingbacks.
VERSATILITY
The original Slingbacks were designed in the stunning beige and black combination. The Slingbacks were designed to be versatile, as epitomised in Coco’s own words: “You leave in the morning with beige and black, you dine with beige and black, you go for a cocktail with beige and black. You’re dressed from morning to evening!”
- Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. Metallic gold Slingbacks!
- Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. Flat slingback leather sandals.
Indeed, they’re a comfortable pair of shoes, making them great for work. The 5cm heel adds a comfortable amount of height, whilst the slipper effect means they’re easy to slip on when going to meetings. The neutral combination make them a great pair of shoes to wear for work drinks and evening networking dinners.
- Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. Navy, pink and mauve tweed Slingbacks
- Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. White tweed Slingbacks
- Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. Textured blue Slingbacks
SLIMMER AND LONGER
The two-tone design helps to make the foot slimmer, and the leg longer … pure wizardry! The beige colour lengthens the leg, whilst the black accent gives the illusion of a slimmer foot.
Image courtesy of Vestiaire Collective. Slingback beige and black leather sandals. At £290, they’re a steal!
A TRUE INVESTMENT PIECE
The Slingbacks are truly an investment piece. As mentioned above, they can be worn for work, dates, evening meals, on weekends… they’re an iconic, classic piece. Currently priced at £750, it’s inevitably going on to go up soon. One only has to look at the YSL heels (priced at £1000), or the Mach&Mach bow heels (priced at >£1000), and, not to mention Chanel’s constant price increases, to know that the price will keep going up and up. The Slingbacks are a dream shoe, which won’t go out of fashion. My advice? Buy before the price goes through the sky!
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Quilted lambskin and patent calfskin black Slingbacks 5cm heel. 2021/22 Metiers d’art £790
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Goatskin & Grosgrain. Beige and Black. 5cm heel. (£770)
IF YOU LIKE THE SLINGBACKS…
Karl Lagerfeld reinvented the Slingbacks in many heel heights and footwear designs, creating a “slingback for every occasion”. Slingback
- — the 5 cm heel + 2cm heel = Slingback flats (£750)
- + a gorgeous knot = Metiers d’art 19/20
- — 5 cm heel + 10 cm wedge = Slingback Open Shoe Wedge (£1,130)
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Goatskin & Grosgain. Beige and Black. 2cm heel. Spring/Summer 22 (£750)
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Patent Black Slingbacks. 2cm heel. Spring/Summer 22 (£750)
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Electric blue calfskin & patent calfskin Slingbacks. 2cm heel. Spring/Summer 22 (£810)
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Lambskin & Patent Calfskin. Quilted beige and patent black. 2cm heel. 2021/22 Metiers d’art(£770)
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Lambskin & Patent Calfskin. Quilted white and patent black. 2cm heel. 2021/22 Metiers d’art (£770)
- Image courtesy of Chanel. Black and Fuchsia Wedges (£1,130) Fall/Winter 22/23 Pre-collection.
Are the Chanel Slingbacks on your bucket list? Which colour-fabric-combination are you hoping to purchase? Let me know! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
