“Predictable” is hardly a word to ascribe to Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela, but if anyone was going to pull velvet-covered magenta trainers out of his stylish sleeves, it was him. Vetted sneaker aficionados of hip-hop culture and general shoe freaks the world over are guaranteed to scoop these up faster than you can say Colette exclusive — Kanye West already featured them as a must-have on his personal blog, “Kanye Universe-city”.
     Inspired by the 1970’s and specifically Bryan Singer’s film The Usual Suspects, the new kicks represent Margiela’s cheeky take on the classic American athletic shoe — chucks and Vans, in particular — and the bizarre status symbol it has become. Two unisex styles in bright cobalt blue and hot magenta are available in traditional high or low top versions, with upper, midsole, outer sole, and laces entirely cast in supple premium velvet. The irresistible gaudiness is sure to make them a street style favorite in spite of their considerable impracticality on the actual street.