Put Your Feet Up
Dear Frances has done the legwork for you
As the mesh footwear trend trickles down from high fashion to the high street, this summer, everyone is grasping for a pair. In a world of dupes and knockoffs, how do we find a true original?
Style begins at ground level with Dear Frances’ new capsule collection, a masterclass in understated elegance. When it comes to craftsmanship, founder Jane Frances speaks from experience. Trained in cordwaining and furniture design during a formative year in Milan, Frances merges time-honoured artisanal methods with a sculptural sensibility, influenced by her enduring love for mid-century furniture.
Entitled Extension of Self, the capsule offers an array of textures and silhouettes that behave like a second skin, drawing inspiration from organic shapes found both in nature and the human form. From deep burgundy to dove grey and cognac brown, the palette is muted but textural, with supple LGW-certified Italian leather, airy mesh, and tactile suedes. Even denim makes an unexpected feature as an option for the Drew loafer.
Leading our top picks is the mesh Topo flat, a reincarnation of the mesh Balla, the ballet flat that began the brand's first cult moment in 2021 and the tidal wave of mesh footwear that followed. The Topo flat swaps the rounded toe of the Balla flat for a pointed one, and is available in smooth, sandy suede as well as black or white mesh. For a little extra height, the Balla flats are now available in pump form, begging to be paired with cigarette trousers. Heading overseas? See the Sacchetto for a new beach bag that matches your new mesh flats. Also worth highlighting: the new Balla Trainer, a lightweight, mesh-accented slip-on ideal for stuffy commutes and temperamental London forecasts. Say goodbye to sweaty tube-toes.
