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High Fashion Women's Trainers   by stephen walker

The emergence of the sports shoe as a fashion must have has also been evident in Harvey Nichol's men and women's "trainer wall" introduction, which occurred at the end of last month. Chloe and Marc, by Marc Jacobs, exclusive designs and special projects ensure that the women's wall merges top designers with high quality products.

While on buying appointments at designer's showrooms, Ida Petersson, the department store's shoe buyer has observed an ever-growing amount of trainer-style shoes available. This combined with an appreciation of women favouring new flat shoe alternatives is a good enough incentive to bring back women's trainers mainstream popularity.

"Back in the power-dressing heyday, all the girls were wearing trainers with their suits," she says. "But the ¬trainers were all white and big and, frankly, slightly offensive. So women got over that and the ¬ballerina [pump] hit - and we hadn't looked back, until now."

Recent fashion trends, namely the return to comfortable 1990s sportswear and footwear such as kitten heels and the demi-wedge, has meant that chic trainers have found their niche in the trend stakes.

The progression of the trainers emergence as a fashion must have has taken a somewhat different route than other comebacks however as it has been male orientated. Whether it be last seasons Paris shows Raf Simons bold trainers and suits or 2009 Louis Vuitton, Stephen Sprouse and Kanye West inspired hi tops there is no doubt that it has been the men who have helped put them back on the fashion radar.

A sentiment supported by associate editor of GQ, Robert Johnston, who claims that, the Parisian designers Lanvin, Kris Van Assche (Dior Homme's head designer) and Pierre Hardy as those with perhaps the most influence. "They've moved them away from being a sort of ludicrous kids' shoe with Velcro and flashing lights in the sole. Now the hi-top, particularly in leather, is really substantial. Plus perhaps it is the ideal shoe for the man who doesn't really want to grow up."

It seems that the shoes are popping up just about everywhere and on anyone. Shoppers around Rue Saint-Honore in Paris with their retro trainers, Jude Law with his vintage Nike Hi-tops, Rihanna with her Nike and even Mercedes Jones in Glee.

According to Petersson, the modern trainer is an edgier ballet pump option for women. Emma Elwick, market editor for Vogue comments, "It's a street trend that has always been there - but increasingly people are stepping away from their white Converse security blanket." A statement reinforced by the fact that she also favours the hi-top as an owner of several styles. In April, Converse adheres to this idea as they too redo the Chuck Taylor design to incorporate a brave zig-zag material.

Tommy Hilfiger in partnership with the Keith Haring Foundation, likewise are bringing out a new trainer, according to their UK director of communications, Fiona Collins. She claims that the standout designs suit wearers who roll up their pants and add flare to the usually neat and preppy up-to-date trend.

"For me, it's mainly about proportions," Collins says. "The hi-top works so well with rolled-up jeans, chinos or trousers - and I am rolling up everything at the moment." She further comments that they are ideal for the recently revamped sporty look of the cuffed tracksuit pant.

Forget colourful eye protection this summer as the trendiest must-haves. The new mainstay is the trusty hi-top with a price for any budget.

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JDsports offer a wide range of high fashion women's trainers

Bruno Frisoni, Artistic Director at Roger Vivier