There are very few items trending on social media that I actually want to buy, mainly because I like to be contrarian, but oh my god, do I want those Alaïa mesh ballet flats so so SO much. They’re not new new — I swear I recall seeing similar styles floating about last year but for some reason, it didn’t stick in my head until the last few weeks. Since then, I can’t stop thinking about them and I’m clearly not the only one because Lauren Sherman’s latest newsletter starts off with a blurb about how many fashion people are equally as obsessed as I am. And maybe it’s not just editor types other, she quotes a Lyst stat that says searches for mesh flats are up over 177% from last month.
None of that is surprising because I was one of those people searching on Lyst only to realize that those Alaïa flats are basically sold out everywhere. At $730, they’re pricy considering they resemble those cloth Mary Janes you’d see on Chinatown grandmothers but compared to brand’s other offerings, which are usually over $1k, they’re somewhat reasonable? Emphasis on somewhat, because the way designer shoe pricing has become, anything under $1,000 these days sounds like a relative bargain. Remember the days when you could buy Miu Miu heels for under $500 at full price? Now you’re lucky to if they get marked down that much during sale season.
Anyway, back to these Chinese grandma Alaïa flats. Everything about them shouldn’t be appealing and I’m sure plenty of people will be turned off by them. It shows a lot of feet, despite all of the mesh and makes for some weird tan lines. They don’t do much to elongate the leg or create a traditionally flattering silhouette — if anything it resembles the potato shape of those Birkenstock clogs that have also emerged as trend. If anything I look like a very stylish old lady who will haggle over the price of oranges. Of course, these are all the reasons I absolutely love them. Anything that toes the line of ugly and unflattering while also being minimal and black is literally the point of this newsletter. Oh, and the other thing about me — anything in black patent leather wins me over so that little trim? Sold.
It makes sense they’re sold out since they’re an everyday version of those Bottega Veneta mesh heels that were everywhere the last few years. Also, ballet flats are back with a vengeance, making these the cooler, more interesting way to wear the trend. So being that they’re not available in most sizes anywhere on the internet, what about the dupes? Finding a similar pair that’s equally as appealing isn’t easy, and truthfully some of them are equally as pricey if not more so than the original pair but until those Alaïa flats get restocked, here are a few that might scratch the itch.
If you’re a size 35.5 or 36, then consider yourself lucky because they’re apparently still in stock at Lane Crawford. I’m usually a 37 so if anyone knows if the 36 could work, please help me out!!!
Obviously if we’re talking Chinese Po-Po style, Sandy Liang does it the best. Her mesh flats combine the Mary Jane strap with the square toe, two details which make the silhouette feel less prissy and feminine. They come in a bunch of colors, in case black isn’t your thing.
These are another similar pair by Le Monde Beryl I’ve had my eye on — they even have the patent leather detailing! I saw them briefly at Bergdorf Goodman but they’re sold out there now. Their own site has a bunch of sizes, so this might be your best bet?
These Loeffler Randall ones are probably the most net-like, similar to the Alaïa’s mesh but it doesn’t have the patent trim unfortunately. They’re pretty well-priced if you’re not looking to spend a lot. I’d personally cut the little bow off to give it a sleeker line.
These are definitely inspired by Old Céline more so than Alaïa but I kinda love them? The ankle detail makes them a bit more evening appropriate if you’re looking for a dressier shoe but also, they’re not so formal that you can’t wear them during the day.
Sorry, I know these are more expensive and not even ballet flats. But I do love the netting and slingback shape. If these ever go on sale, I’d definitely consider them.
Another pair that’s definitely more expensive but after I bought a pair of Khaite flats at their sample sale, I’m sold — they’re comfortable and well made. These sparkly ones are so eye-catching and are another non-heel evening appropriate style that feels special and unique.
I know dupes are never as satisfying as the original. I feel that way too. But if you’re not as enamored with the Alaïa flats as I am and simply just like the idea of mesh shoes, then perhaps the alternatives are more in line with what you’re looking for. As for me, I’m going to wait for a 36.5 or 37 to magically reappear and take it as a sign the universe wants me to have them.
With that being said see you on Wednesday, which will be another quick roundup of some really good sale stuff now that the markdowns are getting steeper. Side note: thank you to everyone who has used my links to buy stuff, especially to the lucky people who snagged the Vaquera sequin dress and Simone Rocha slip on sale — they either sold out or there’s extremely limited sizing left. I’ll see if I can find some alternatives in the next newsletter!
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