Whether you're a lover or a fighter, it’s all about the confident, sexy, and strong Renaissance woman this season. Gladiators are becoming more glamorous than casual, conquering the arena as the showstoppers of 2015, as shown by Dsquared2 and Stella McCartney. Following are mules and flatforms, with emphasis on the ankles, fringes, leathers, and feathers showcased by Oscar de La Renta. Reptile, paint, and floral prints are details used for texture, and added metal hardware on boots are giving a cowboy presence this season. Ethos Of Mystique Gladiators serve as a designer’s muse. From the unusual fabrics to the buckles, zippers and prints, imaginations continue to soar on the runway. The Hybrid Mule Refreshed and altered with whimsy, hardware, and laces, the mule is anything but boring! Lucite Vision Lucite heels are featured heavily this season and the material sculpturally pops up in unexpected ways. Bow Ties Whether it's a bow in the front or a tie in the back, sculptural, lavish or soft bows are everywhere! Floral Decor From prints to embroidery, the floral touch reminds us that spring and summer are finally here! Spaced Out Flatforms 90s refreshed soles get the height without discomfort as subtle sneaker elements are added. Flirty Fringe & Feathers Fringes are edged out with beaded details and hardware; feathers add a sexy flirty feminine touch. Curved heels On high and low heels, trendsetters are sacrificing comfort for the added interest and edge. Weave On The new weave has everyone excited, adding playfulness, texture and diverse designs.                  

  Totally Soled Out Rockabilly fans can hoot n’ holler as the pointy toed, buckled shoe reappeared on the runways. Animal, floral and even oh so-feminine lace prints strode down this season’s catwalks. The gladiator sandal, now considered a summer staple, made its presence known in many presentations. Materials ran the gamut from classic leather, both smooth and embossed, to suede. to translucent plastic, in the form of t-strap sandals at John Galliano. Well Heeled Designers turned to elegant styles of yore; lady-like, slim heeled slingbacks and pointy toe pumps all made a comeback this season. Platform soles were not in the forefront as in seasons past, although they are still around, often in the form of the wedge heel. Bright jewel tones made a statement, as did girly embellishments such as bows and ruffles.