Welcome to This Old Thing, where ELLE UK’s vintage-obsessed editors wax lyrical about the very best things they find on their scrolls, from the icons to the cult finds - because buying everything new is so last season.
There's a danger to referring to an accessory or piece of clothing as a 'classic' for fear of sounding its death knell. Does classic mean overdone? Tired or boring? Well, according to Dua Lipa (and us!), it most certainly does not.
The pop star, whose wardrobe is as hypey as Wales Bonner Sambas paired with Miu Miu hotpants, just proved the classic, no iconic, Chanel two-tone slingbacks are as relevant as ever. While out in New York this week the brit paired the camel and black-hued heels with ultra baggy jeans, and a high shine bomber, finishing off the look with a crossbody handbag from the historic fashion house.
Speaking of history, it should be noted these simple shoes were designed by Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel way back in 1957. Referencing the two-tone wingtip brogue, a menswear staple of the time, her design was distinctly modern, hoping to lengthen the leg with its skin-toned (for some) upper, and shorted the foot with a black toe. The elasticated back was a casual departure from the fussy buckles and fastenings of the time, as was the blocky, rather than pointed heel.
Both elegant and practical, it's obvious why these heels, reimagined by both Chanel Creative Directors Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard and worn by everyone from Eva Chen to Alexa Chung, are impossible to keep in stock (and keep going up in price).
Shop Secondhand Chanel Slingbacks
Chanel Cream And Black Slingbacks
Chanel Black And White Slingbacks
Chanel Tan And Black Slingback
Chanel Off White Black Classic Slingback Pumps
Chanel Slingback Leather Mules
That's why we'd recommend looking to resale platforms for your little slice of fashion history. And don't constrain yourself to the original colourway either - all black will see you through many an outfit emergency.
As for what to wear them with, we'd take a leaf out of Dua Lipa's book with a dose of 'Wrong Shoe Theory'. Sure, they would look great with a tweed skirt suit, but some unexpected denim or even very boxy tailoring would be much more current.
