Your Daily caught up with InStyle EIC Ariel Foxman recently at the mag’s bash for The Shoe Book to figure out where he stands when it comes to shoes. In addition to dishing on how many pairs he has in his closet, the editor shares his feelings on the comeback of the flat.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in order to buy a pair of shoes?
I was looking for a certain pair of boots, and I called every store location of this designer. I called every city in every country where this designer not only had their own stores, but the stores they were carried in, too. I must have called, like, 30 stores.
Did you have to speak any other languages in your shoe pursuit?
I didn’t. But I eventually found the shoes and bought them. The only problem is that I bought them without trying them on. When they arrived, they didn’t fit! And they weren’t returnable! I actually still have them in my closet because it was such a journey to get these shoes.
You’ve never worn them? Not even once?
No! They’re still pristine, sitting in the box, in my closet.
How big is your current shoe collection?
I probably have 50 or 60 pairs of shoes.
Whose shoe closet do you covet?
Pharrell‘s! If I could just have his sneakers, I would be really excited.
From an editorial standpoint, which shoes have caught your eye recently?
I’m so excited that a flat slip-on is not only prominent on runways but that you see it on the streets of New York, too. A lot of women are embracing it as an alternative to a really flashy, sexy high heels; it’s a great balance. For a long time, there really wasn’t a great option for flats, aside from a ballet flat or a cool sneaker. But now you’re seeing tons of fun fashion options for flats.
It’s about time for flats! Do you think designers have altered their clothes reflect this new silhouette?
Yes! You also have designers designing clothing around that proportion so there are all different silhouettes, like high-waisted pants with different crops and shapes so you can create all sorts of fun new outfits around flats that you couldn’t before. It was like, “Well, how do I hem my pant?” Now you have thoughtful looks created around flats.
