Each season, there's one accessory that seems to capture the street style zeitgeist.

Last season it was Gucci's backless flat loafer. And while this style was still notable on the feet of the great and good of the fashion pack throughout the latest round of fashion weeks, it seemed to have been usurped a newer, peppier shoe sibling: the Chanel heeled mule.

Chanel mulespinterest
Getty Images
Show-goers wearing Chanel mules during the SS17 shows

With their signature black toe cap and intricate pearl-and-snake-adorned heel, they made their catwalk debut at last December's Metiers d'Art show in Rome.

Chanel Mulespinterest
Getty Images
Camila Coelho and Aimee Song at Paris Fashion Week

Since landing in stores in June, they've made their way into the wardrobes of everyone from Giovanna Engelbert to Leaf Greener. Consider them the new-season update on Chanel's hugely popular classic slingback.

Chanel Mulespinterest
Getty Images
Chanel mules on the Metiers d\'Art catwalk

They're available in three colour ways - black lambskin and grosgrain toe cap, white lambskin with black grosgrain toe cap and beige suede with black grosgrain toe-cap - and retail at £830, not that they're easy to get hold of.

Chanel mulespinterest
Getty Images
Show-goers wearing Chanel mules during the SS17 shows

We can understand the obsession though - they're just as good with dresses as they are trousers, and after seasons of favouring flats we're in the mood for a little elevation.

(If you can't quite stretch to £800, Zara are doing a similar version for just £39.99.)