Preparing for a scorching ghillie-suit season?
In the realm of footwear, a traditional style has made a striking comeback, captivating both fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Irish ghillie shoes, often referred to as "ghillie brogues," have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks to a renewed appreciation for cultural heritage and historical fashion.
These shoes, with their roots among the Celts in Ireland and Scotland, have a rich history that predates their modern fashion resurgence. Originally worn for practical purposes in the wet and rugged landscapes of the Highlands and Ireland, ghillies were made from leather and featured intricate lacing and perforations, allowing water to drain out. They were also worn during formal events and ceremonies, adding a touch of elegance to traditional Scottish and Irish attire [2][4].
Fast forward to the present day, and ghillie brogues are not just a part of traditional Highland or Irish attire but also a contemporary fashion statement. They can be found gracing the runways of high-end fashion shows, appealing to those seeking unique, culturally rich footwear. Modern designs often blend traditional elements with modern materials and styles, appealing to a wider audience interested in both cultural heritage and fashion innovation [4].
One example of this fusion can be seen in Simone Rocha's Ghillie Grip ballerina shoes, available on ssense.com for £650. These shoes feature pin-buckled lacing loops in glittering red or black leather and a tread rubber sole [3]. Another option is the Ganni recycled leather, polyurethane, and tencel Lace-Up Ballerinas, priced at £375 [5].
The charm of ghillies, according to Isla Lynch, director of womenswear buying at Ssense, lies in their ability to offer a comfortable yet directional alternative to sneakers. They can be styled in various ways, ranging from sporty, folkloric, boho, to punk [7]. Verona Farrell, an Irish-born, Stockholm-based street style videographer, styles her Ganni "ghillies" with baggy jeans so that the lacing peeks out [6].
The traditional Irish dancing shoes, ghillies, are described as athletic, elegant, and suitable for showcasing a dancer's skills. The Irish export Riverdance is kicking off its 30th anniversary tour this summer [1]. The demand for ghillie shoe styles has increased by 75% since May last year [8], reflecting the broader trend of embracing cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship in modern fashion.
Despite the historical connection primarily to Highland dress, the similar style and functionality of ghillie shoes have made them relevant in Irish cultural expression as well. This is evident in the fashion show at Paris's Ganni AW25, where a pair of lace-up flats referred to as "ballerina" on Ganni's website, but known as ghillies to Irish and Scottish people, were showcased [2].
Vivienne Westwood's towering Ghillie platform heels have been a brand staple since the early '90s [9]. There are also more affordable options available, such as Chloé leather Ghillies pumps for £790 and Vivienne Westwood leather elevated Ghillie platform heels for £595 [9]. Foundry Mews' Posie Lace Up shoes, mentioned as a comfortable, directional alternative to sneakers, are suitable for both casual basics and more contemporary pieces [7].
In conclusion, the evolution of Irish ghillie shoes in fashion reflects a broader trend of embracing cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship in modern fashion. Whether worn for practical purposes, ceremonial occasions, or as a contemporary fashion statement, ghillie shoes continue to captivate and inspire.
In the realm of footwear, not only have Irish ghillie shoes, or ghillie brogues, become a significant part of traditional Irish attire, but they also serve as a contemporary fashion statement. These shoes, with their roots among the Celts in Ireland and Scotland, have found a place on high-end fashion runways, appealing to individuals seeking unique, culturally rich footwear. Modern designs blend traditional elements with modern materials and styles, expanding their appeal to those interested in both cultural heritage and fashion innovation.
