For 2021, Pantone declared not one but two colors of the year: “Ultimate Gray,” which is as boring as it sounds, and “Illuminating,” a happy-face yellow. If neither of these shades sound inspiring to you, then may I direct your attention to these delicious lavender pumps from Bottega Veneta? Just looking at them, I can smell spring coming from a mile away.
Made of soft leather with a large gold buckle on the front, they take a classic shape and give it a fresh coat of paint, metaphorically speaking. Purple is optimistic, with a whiff of extravagance. It’s playful and serious at the same time. These particular shoes are called the Madame pumps — not Ma’am, or Mrs., or Mademoiselle, but Madame. It’s got a ring to it. I’m ready to kick my shearling Birkenstocks to the curb for something daintier. What about you?