Brace yourself ladies, the triple-platform pump has arrived in the UAE. Hannah Spreadbury, the international buyer for Dune, gives us the lowdown on the brand's Spring/Summer 2012 collection, now in stores across the country.
What's flying off the shelves right now?
At the moment, internationally, it's glitter! We've had an amazing reaction to the new styles such as the flat pumps, the round-toe court platforms and the peep-toes with block heels have worked really well. Also colour blocking and bright colours.
What styles are likely to appeal most to ladies in the Middle East?
Well our main trend this season is Botanical Brights, floral themes and signature prints in silky satin. The Middle Eastern lady loves satin and these floral prints. We've got a peep-toed court shoe in a platform with diamante trim with a bow, which is very feminine. And the trend with court shoes is going towards points with single soles, which is a nod towards the 1950s.
Our second trend is Tribal Mischief which is more to do with mixed materials, exotic skins such as real snake and pony mixed with patents and suedes. And you can see with our more structured bags that we have zebra pony mixed with camel leather, for example.
We also have a Hollywood Hills trend with bright primary colours and hot stone detailing evident on the heels of occasion wear. Wedges with diamante and chunky jewel trims plus rose-gold metallic accessories will also sell well.
In terms of the 1950s trend, does that mean heel heights are coming down and heading more towards kitten rather than skyscraper platforms?
I think platforms are still going to be strong going forward, for example in this latest collection we've got a triple platform with snake-skin straight through. We're also moving towards points, skinnier and part metal heels.