Chiara Ferragni fishes out the first ugly shoes from the closet

They are not old enough to be called vintage, nor are they recent enough to be considered the latest trend. Yet they are everywhere on social networks, they conquer the stars and the shoes of 2023 are announced: let’s talk about the Bekett by Isabel Marant, the 2011 sneaker that defined the aesthetic of the decade. Today they are experiencing a flashback: if even Clare Ferragni wears them (fishing them directly from his closet) it’s time to understand the secret of the success of these shoes.

Why Isabel Marant’s Beketts are so famous

Let’s rewind the tape to the beginning of the 1910s, when sneaker culture began to spread and contaminate fashion. In 2010, a revolutionary model was released: Isabel Marant designed a model of high-top sneakers inspired by the world of basketball, with a padded tongue and velcro fastening. But the touch of genius was the sole with a wedge “built-in” in the upper to appear taller and slim the legs. Her need, as simple as it is common, led to the creation of the first sneakers worn as a fashion statement by models and stars.

In the long list of enthusiasts there was also Beyoncéwho wore them in the video of Love On Top under a black leotard, in the company of Rihanna, Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bundchen. The same Clare Ferragni, then an emerging blogger, had a model with colored inserts. Were they beautiful? Absolutely not, on the contrary, the “first ugly shoes” of the history of fashion since New York Times, anticipating a trend that would dominate the following decade. But they were comfortable, absolutely recognizable and set a trend. Now that the 2000s aesthetic dominates the shows, these shoes are popping up again TikTok and in the Instagram feeds of fans, thanks to the same nostalgia effect which brings us to rewatch of Gossip Girl or The OC as a modern form of escapism.

Chiara Ferragni with 2011 shoes

Clare Ferragniyou know, is a bit of a diviner of fashion trends: for some time there was talk of a possible return to the scene of the Beketts and here she is showing off an ‘original’ pair from 2011. Just back from the safari in South Africa (but without luggage, lost at the airport) the digital entrepreneur showed off a casual look with a designer check shirt The Atticskinny jeans and shoes Isabel Marant. Are the 1910s back? When in doubt, Isabel Marant has moved forward with a contemporary re-edition of the famous shoes: after the revival of the Crocs and of the UggBeketts appear to be the new star craze.