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The chic way to wear trainers

— by Alyson Walsh

Photo: Tommy Ton

From Chanel catwalk to British Vogue, trainers are back on fashion’s inside track. As a sporty kid I spent my life kicking around in cheap running shoes, and I’m still a fan of this laid-back look. Think Coco Chanel’s wafting along the French Riviera in wide leg trousers, Mick Jagger’s suit and sneakers in St Tropez and super-chic Parisian Caroline de Maigret (above) in Isabel Marant jacket and jeans. The French model and music producer has that fabulous Jane Birkin joie de vivre, that easy-going approach to style.

Chanel catwalk photo: style.com

A random stocktake tells me that, over the years I’ve amassed approximately 20 pairs of trainers. Some hi-tech, some old-school, some older than Cara Delevingne. I can’t help feeling a
little uneasy when sneakers step onto the runway. Uncomfortable with big designer names and hefty price tags, when really it’s all just a question of sport. So, sorry Karl but you know where you can stick your overpriced kicks.

Like Phoebe Philo I’ll be opting for boyfriend style and a pair of proper pumps: Adidas Stan Smiths, back on sale after a two year hiatus. And coming soon in suede.

Are sports shoes for you?

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Photo: Tommy Ton From Chanel catwalk to British Vogue, trainers are back on fashion’s inside track. As a sporty kid I spent my life kicking around in cheap running shoes, and I’m stil…