Trend watch writer

Iris Mbeki

Tracks what is rising, what is fading, and how long a shape is likely to still look current.

Iris follows silhouettes, color directions and micro-trends from runway through high street to resale racks, and is happy to say a trend has about one summer left in it.

Trend reporting from showroom floors and city sidewalks. Tracks what actually gets worn, not what gets posted.

Articles by Iris

Close view of a patent-leather peep-toe slingback showing the opening across the toe tips.

Trend Watch

Peep-Toe Shoes Are Back. The Opening Decides the Fit.

The useful distinction is not pump versus slingback. It is whether the opening reveals the tips of one or two toes, or places a firm edge across several moving joints.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Black leather fisherman sandals showing narrow straps, open cage gaps and a small ankle buckle.

Trend Watch

Fine-Strap Fisherman Sandals Give Up More Than Bulk

The fisherman sandal is shedding leather and looking sharper. A weeklong comparison shows where finer straps improve the line, and where the old cage still works harder.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Black leather almond-toe ballet flat beside a square-toe flat and pointed pump on a plain floor.

Trend Watch

Almond-Toe Shoes Offer More Room, but Width Still Matters

The shape is turning up in women’s flats, pumps, and boots, not just social posts. Its softer point may last, provided the shoe is wide enough where your toes bend.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Inside view of a black cotton bubble skirt showing four ribbons tied between the outer hem and lining.

Trend Watch

Bubble Hems Are Back. Check the Inside Ties First.

The rounded silhouette may look identical on the rack, but its hidden attachment decides whether it rebounds after sitting or develops a dropped section after cleaning.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

A brown suede bucket tote on a table with its broad base, lining and handle attachments visible.

Trend Watch

Soft Suede Totes Are Replacing Rigid Bags. Check the Base.

The relaxed suede carryall looks current, but commuting weight exposes weak floors and handles. Here is what to inspect before choosing slouch over structure.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Black leather peep-toe slingback on a floor, showing the oval toe opening and lightly padded insole.

Trend Watch

Peep-Toe Shoes Are Back. The Toe Opening Still Decides the Fit.

The revived peep-toe looks cleaner than its 2000s predecessor, but a smaller opening does not guarantee comfort. Foot migration and hosiery still expose weak construction.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Brown suede Adidas Handball Spezial sneakers beside black trousers, faded jeans, navy cotton, and cream denim.

Trend Watch

Chocolate Brown Sneakers Work Past Fall, With One Catch

Deep brown has moved into core sneaker shapes, but color alone does not make a lasting neutral. The useful pair must handle black, navy, faded denim, and warm white.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Close view of a black leather fisherman sandal with narrow woven straps, an ankle buckle, and a thin rubber sole.

Trend Watch

Fisherman Sandals Got Slimmer. Their Protection Did Too.

Narrow leather straps and low-profile soles make the fisherman sandal easier to dress up. They also remove some of the coverage, adjustability, and underfoot protection that made the shape useful.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Soft brown leather shoulder bag beside a rigid mini bag, with a pouch and water bottle showing how each packs.

Trend Watch

Slouchy Bags Hold More. They Also Lose Everything.

Soft suede and leather shoulder bags are displacing rigid minis. The extra room helps, but base support, pocketing and what you carry determine whether the shape survives.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Petite model from waist down wearing black knee-near cotton-twill shorts with flat sandals.

Trend Watch

Long Shorts Can Crowd a Petite Frame. Check the Hem First.

Knee-near shorts offer the ease of a skirt with more structure, but small changes in length can upset the line. A cotton-twill fitting test shows when to alter and when to walk away.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Close view of a black woven tote corner showing interlaced strips, backing and finished edges.

Trend Watch

Woven Bags Moved Downmarket. The Construction Still Matters.

Leather weaving has become a broad retail texture rather than one luxury signature. The cheaper versions can work, but embossing, synthetic strips and real interlacing fail in different ways.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Trend Watch

Long Shorts Change the Balance of Every Summer Shoe

Knee-grazing tailored shorts move the visual break down the leg. Hem width and exposed ankle determine whether slim sneakers, flat sandals, or thicker soles feel balanced.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Sterling-silver hoops beside a black leather belt with a silver buckle and a gold ring on a plain tabletop.

Trend Watch

Silver Jewelry Is Back, but Your Bag May Decide the Switch

Silver has regained room in jewelry assortments and resale feeds, but replacing every gold piece is unnecessary. One repeated hardware detail can make mixed metals look settled.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Silver nylon and gray suede retro running sneakers showing a light scuff near the outer forefoot.

Trend Watch

Shiny Retro Runners Look Newer. Their Scuffs Arrive Faster.

Silver panels and bright nylon are replacing the quiet suede runner. The fresher finish can breathe better, but its flex points and cleaning routine deserve attention.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Brown leather boat shoe turned on its side to show narrow siping cuts across the white rubber sole.

Trend Watch

Boat Shoes Are Back, but Check the Sole Before You Buy

The revived boat shoe has moved beyond prep styling. Razor-cut rubber, an unlined upper and adjustable lacing tell you whether a pair can handle damp walking or is mainly there for the shape.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Black nylon crescent bag open on a table with a paperback, water bottle, sunglasses case, and small pouch beside it.

Trend Watch

Slouchy Bags Are Replacing Rigid Minis. Check the Base First.

Soft bags have gained capacity, but usefulness depends on what keeps that capacity under control. A nylon crescent shows where slouch works and where it becomes clutter.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Tomato-red, cherry and oxblood leather bags beside light and dark denim with cream and gray fabric swatches.

Trend Watch

Tomato Red Is Fading. Its Replacements Are Pickier.

Oxblood, cherry and cooler reds are moving into women’s assortments. Before buying, test them against the denim, neutrals and hardware already in your closet.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Brown leather boat shoe turned on its side to show a siped rubber sole and wraparound rawhide lace.

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Boat Shoes Are Back, but Many Have Lost Their Grip

The revived boat shoe splits into two camps: working deck footwear and slim leather loafers with nautical trim. Sperry’s Authentic Original shows how to tell the difference.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Tan leather fisherman sandals with woven toes, ankle buckles and low rubber soles beside straight-leg jeans.

Trend Watch

Fisherman Sandals Are Basics Now. Skip the Giant Sole.

The leather cage is settling into summer wardrobes, but not every version will last. Flexible uppers and moderate rubber soles make the safest long-term buy.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Adidas SL 72 RS sneakers viewed from above and the side, showing a tapered nylon upper and raised foam midsole.

Trend Watch

Slim Retro Runners Now Hide More Cushion Underfoot

The Adidas SL 72 RS shows the shift: a narrow retro upper set over more foam. The extra sole helps, but it does not automatically fix a tapered forefoot.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Black leather fisherman sandals beside wide-leg trousers, showing the slim rubber sole and closed cage.

Trend Watch

Fisherman Sandals Are Getting Slimmer, but the Soles Give Up Support

Low-profile cages now sit beside the lugged fisherman sandals that dominated recent summers. The slimmer shape works under wider trousers, though the flattest versions can feel unforgiving on a long walk.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Black leather peep-toe slingback showing a narrow oval opening and a removable forefoot pad.

Trend Watch

Peep-Toe Shoes Are Back. The Opening Decides If They Walk.

The revival looks convincing in photos. On foot, a narrow opening, tapered toe box and sliding heel can turn a polished shoe into a pedicure-dependent pinch point.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Black leather fisherman sandal beside a chunky molded version, showing their different strap widths and sole depths.

Trend Watch

Fisherman Sandals Have Split. The Slim Pair Will Last Longer.

Fine leather straps and low soles are pulling the fisherman sandal toward a dress shoe. Chunky synthetic versions offer easier wear, but their trend signal is louder.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Black leather peep-toe slingbacks viewed from above, showing the curved opening and almond-shaped toe box.

Trend Watch

Peep-Toe Shoes Are Back, but the Opening Decides the Fit

The returning peep-toe looks restrained, yet a narrow opening can squeeze while a wide one lets the foot slide. The useful update is the pair that exposes the toes without forcing them forward.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Black nylon shoulder bag open on a table with its zipper, interior pocket and unsupported base visible.

Trend Watch

Soft Slouchy Bags Are Replacing Minis. Check the Pockets.

Unstructured leather and nylon bags hold more than rigid minis, then make that capacity hard to manage. A week with Baggu’s Nylon Shoulder Bag shows which construction details matter.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Dark brown leather fisherman sandals showing the woven toe, buckle and welt stitching beside a cropped trouser hem.

Trend Watch

Fisherman Sandals Are Peaking. Check the Sole Before Buying.

The closed leather cage has spread from heritage footwear to seasonal fashion. Its shelf life depends less on the silhouette than on ventilation, sole attachment and whether a cobbler can work on it.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Black leather drawstring ballet flat with the front gathered tightly while the heel edge remains open.

Trend Watch

Soft Drawstring Ballet Flats Still Let the Heel Slip

The gathered opening suggests a custom fit, but the cord may only tighten the front. The useful test is whether pulling it moves the back edge of the shoe.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Black patent peep-toe pumps viewed from above, showing the small oval toe openings and concealed platforms.

Trend Watch

Peep-Toe Shoes Are Back, but the Fit Problem Never Left

Runway sightings have become retail products, yet the category remains narrow. Before buying, check whether the opening frames your toes or forces them through it.

Iris Mbeki · 8 min read

Black rounded wedge sandal beside a square block-heel sandal, both photographed from behind at floor level.

Trend Watch

Rounded Wedge Sandals Feel Steadier. Some Only Look It.

Curved wedges are displacing square block heels, but visual bulk does not guarantee support. The useful detail is the sole’s footprint at the ground.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read

Black open-mesh ballet flat beside a reinforced mesh sneaker and a transparent mesh tote.

Trend Watch

Mesh Sneakers Earn the Airflow. Mesh Flats Pay in Snags.

Open mesh feels useful on a ventilated sneaker, less convincing across an unprotected toe, and risky on a bag carrying keys. The supporting structure decides whether it lasts.

Iris Mbeki · 7 min read