Are You Ready to Embrace Flats? Karl Lagerfeld and Dior Want You To

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You know a trend is serious when the haute couture world picks up on it. The usual picture of models struggling to walk down stairs in heels was replaced at Chanel by images of altogether happier girls trotting in sneakers.

Yes, you heard us right. Karl Lagerfeld created sneakers, and they’re nothing like you’ve ever seen before. Pastel tweeds, metallic tones, and simpler jet black designs paraded around the show space.

Chanel Haute Couture SS14 show in Paris, France, on January 21, 2014

Chanel Haute Couture SS14 show in Paris, France, on January 21, 2014Chanel Haute Couture SS14 show in Paris, France, on January 21, 2014

Dior also changed its usual couture garb a little with pairs of bouncy slip-on sneakers, complete with floral sequins.

Dior Haute Couture SS14 show in Paris, France, on January 20, 2014

Dior Haute Couture SS14 show in Paris, France, on January 20, 2014Dior Haute Couture SS14 show in Paris, France, on January 20, 2014

Handcrafted flats may be out of your price range, so we recommend a few alternatives to see you through the spring season:

Givenchy Floral Slip-On Sneakers, $635

Givenchy Floral Slip-On Sneakers

Lanvin Holographic Sneakers, $695

Lanvin Holographic Leatehr Sneakers

Miu Miu Slingback Pumps, $550

Miu Miu Leather Slingback Pumps

Maison Martin Margiela Floral Brogues, $795

Maison Martin Margiela Floral Brogues

Balenciaga Printed Sneakers, $535

Balenciaga Printed Sneakers

Marni Metallic Leopard Slippers, $720

Marni Metallic Leopard Loafers

Simone Rocha Faux Pearl Brogues, $1,090

Simone Rocha Faux pearl-embellished leather brogues

Sophia Webster “Loca” Leopard Holographic Flats, $350

Sophia Webster "Loca" Leopard Holographic Flats

Spring will soon be in sight, but the fashion world is already thinking about next fall. Pre-fall collection images have been released, and they indicate support for more fabulous flats.

Marni has continued their line of loafers with more animal prints, metallic elements, and buckles, while Kenzo has gone for geometric monochrome flats.

Marni pre-fall 2014 collectionMarni pre-fall 2014 collection

Kenzo pre-fall 2014 collectionKenzo pre-fall 2014 collection

Credit: SIPA / WENN / Marni / Kenzo