Golden Goose Sneakers way

Piferi focuses on bio-based materials-shoe linings made from corn oil, for instance-as well as recycled synthetics. The soquette is made from recycled polyester and recycled Lurex, and his faux suede comes from reclaimed plastic bottles. Those materials initially posed a challenge to his factory in Parabiago, Italy-they had to find a completely new Golden Goose Sneakers way to mount and assemble the shoes, he says-but he was surprised to find that they also outperform leather in many cases.

Another time the butterfly www.goldengoosers.com made a big debut was during the surrealist period of the 1920s. Not surprising, given we're coming up on the 100 year anniversary of the movement, which has been heavily referenced by both Schiaparelli and Chanel in recent seasons. The intent of the first generation of surrealists was to make the familiar new, and to show a fragile world full of tension in a new, dream-like reality.

You might try an ankle-exposing slip-on mule or sandals dotted with floral applique. There's also floral- and jacquard-embroidered low-top sneakers, linen espadrilles, or canvas slide sandals topped with a monochrome rose made of the same material. For something a bit more eye-catching, consider a shoe with a pastel tie-dye or a picnic-blanket-like gingham-two unmistakable prints that can take you right through summer too.

Happily, there is no shortage of art to see elsewhere across central Paris. Gone is the wrapping of the Arc de Triomphe envisioned by Christo and Jeanne-Claude; but Alexander Calder's aerodynamic and boldly red Flying Dragon 1975 landed with aplomb in the Place Vendme, presented by Gagosian to coincide with its new space nearby. Some two-dozen sculptures from various galleries continue to animate the Tuileries as part of Fiac's outdoor programming, and Lilian Bourgeat's humongous bench, as high as a garden shed, has proven especially popular for photo ops.