Over 60 Years Later, These Are Still the Shoes Every Fashion Editor Wants

The classic Chanel pumps are still the shoes we all lust after, 60 years after they were created. Especially the two-tone versions. Here's how to buy them.

Over 60 Years Later, These Are Still the Shoes Every Fashion Editor Wants

Despite the fact that the iconic two-tone Chanel pumps were designed over 60 years ago, they're still one of the most coveted pairs of shoes. Every season, a new iteration comes out and immediately they sell out. But what, we hear you cry, makes them so perennially popular? Designed in 1957 by Coco Chanel, the two-tone shoes, which initially were a slingback, were meant to mimic men's shoes at the time. It was also considered to be a universally flattering style. Thanks to the contrasting-coloured toe, the shoes both made the foot look smaller and the leg longer. Clever, eh?

Photo:

Courtesy of Chanel

Women in 1957 wearing the two-tone Chanel pumps

Of course, the shoes took off, and ever since then, we've seen the familiar Chanel pump every fashion week and in numerous street style shots. Incredibly, the shoes have hardly differed from its original design, with the toe always in a contrasting hue. While there might now be a range of different colourways, not to mention numerous copies on the high street, the shoes are still one of the most popular and the most photographed heels in the world.

Keep scrolling to click through our gallery of vintage Chanel pump pictures, street style snaps, and where to get your hands on the iconic design today.

Style Notes: Actress Claudine Auger at Chanel's HQ in Paris in 1960 wearing the two-tone pumps.

Style Notes: Jump ahead 15 years to 1975, and you can see that the design has barely changed. A model wears a coat, dress and the signature pumps from the Chanel S/S 75 collection.