The Dictator | Rihanna’s see-through shoes; sheep-inspired jackets – where to find them in Hong Kong

What’s with the see-through high heels I’ve seen celebrities wearing? I’m looking for a new pair of shoes. Should I look for those or is silver still a thing?
Cinderella Slippers, Sai Kung

The Dictator rules: What are you on about? Clear plastic shoes are timeless. Well, if you are a performer of an exotic type, that is. To answer your other question, yes, silver is a thing. It is a chemical element known by the symbol Ag and the atomic number 47. Hang on to those silver shoes, because that trend will last through to spring 2018.

We’ll admit, though, you correctly pointed out “glass” slippers are having a moment. Rihanna attended an event in Los Angeles this summer wearing Giuseppe Zanotti’s Ada mules with see-through PVC across the toes and gold heels (HK$3,684; antonia.it).

Kim Kardashian rocks the clear shoe trend in Japan. Picture: instagram.com/noriwestsource

Manolo Blahnik has added thin suede or metallic leather ankle ties to his Estro heeled sandals with clear plastic straps on the toes (HK$5,815 and up; barneys.com). Indeed, many of the affordable brands have made their own PVC sandals for less, including Steve Madden, where you’ll find high-heeled sandals with ankle straps, not to mention mules, booties and more (HK$780 to HK$1,014). Others creating similar see-through dancing shoes for less are Tony Bianco, Jeffrey Campbell and Raye (HK$950 and up; revolve.com).

The transparency of plastic is also used to create a naked illusion on pumps where only the leather or suede heel and tip of the pointy toes are meant to be visible. Gianvito Rossi does them, for example, in velvet or crystal-embellished satin (HK$5,900 to HK$9,200). If you desire those, you’ll also be attracted to Christian Louboutin’s Debout pumps in black patent leather and transparent PVC (HK$6,300).