Few fashion businesses have the capacity to take a classic and transform it into a never-before-seen design that makes ripples in the industry. With its Opyum style, Saint Laurent did just that.
I've never seen the fashion world become so excited about a shoe as the Saint Laurent Opyum Pump. Journalists, bloggers, and fashionistas have been raving about it since it first appeared on the runway, and with good cause. This shoe is both a work of art and a work of engineering.
The pumps walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week in September 2017, making history. The Opyum pumps, which were part of Anthony Vaccarello's inaugural collection, were the consequence of his unique style colliding with the French brand's tradition. This smooth fusion of elements made these Saint Laurent shoes so desirable that they sold out almost immediately after they were published.
The Opyum patent stiletto is everything you've been looking for in a patent stiletto. It manages to be both a wardrobe must (every girl needs a pair of stunning black heels) and a wild indulgence (that heel doesn't allow for frequent wear). Let's face it, this isn't a practical shoe; it's a fashion statement. I'd even go so far as to say it's a work of art.
We previously discussed how this secretive design splattered social media platforms and celebrated logomania in a way that is distinctive to Saint Laurent – breathtakingly exquisite – when it impacted the bank accounts of the fashion elite.
Now that we've established that the Opyum style is sought, let's look at what makes it so.
The Saint Laurent Opyum is an enhanced classic that emanates intriguing sophistication and has a simple look that can go with practically any outfit in a woman's closet. The trend began with a pointed-toe pump and has now expanded to include an ankle strap sandal, slingbacks, and an ankle boot. The Opyum line is based on the idea that investing in a classic shoe type is the best way to always look effortlessly put together.
The Opyum pump is the first of its type, a shoe that honors a woman's natural silhouette, from the delicate toes to the beautiful arch of the sole. It is expertly molded and finely carved from fine materials to provide a remarkable pump.
It has a low-cut vamp to show off toe cleavage, a tiny toe box to create the illusion of smaller feet, and a high arch to stretch the foot and tone the calf.
Saint Laurent Opyum pointed-toe pumps in black calfskin with a low cut vamp and a sculpted mat antique gold-tone metal heel with YSL letters.
The YSL heel and the clout the logo carries are why this Saint Laurent shoe rocketed off the shelves and into wardrobes all around the world. The original logo has remained in use even after the label's redesign in 2012, as seen on the brand's popular women's handbags and accessories.
The Opyum design replaces the typical pencil heel with a stunning heel that highlights the YSL insignia. The heel begins with the letter Y and is located just a little distance from the heel seat. It bends and spins its way down to the L's base, where a rubber base is added for reinforcement.
These black patent-leather Opyum pumps are one of Anthony Vaccarello's most coveted Saint Laurent designs. They're crafted to a sharply pointed silhouette and lifted on a high gold-tone metal 'YSL' monogram heel.
The Opyum pumps are an iconic addition to your footwear rotation, taking their name from Saint Laurent's Opium scent, which was debuted in 1977. They're made in Italy from black patent leather and have a point-toe silhouette with towering 110mm heels shaped in the house's signature YSL logo.
Yves Saint Laurent's classic silhouettes, black-and-white images, and subdued sensuality come to mind when we see this Opyum pump. As said this pair is made of gleaming patent leather that catches the light and stands out against the all-black exterior.
The pointy toes help to lengthen the narrow toe box, while the leather-lined interior keeps the foot cozy. The 11.5 cm heel's black-tone hardware blends in with the dark exterior, playing peek-a-boo with the onlooker.
Whatever the goal - elevating the workplace, a trophy for your shoe wardrobe, adding to your evening attire, or simply appreciating this work of art – the Saint Laurent Opyum will never be merely a buy, but a landmark moment.
And even if you may have missed it the good news is that the Opyum has been carried over into Saint Laurent's Autumn/Winter collection, so if you missed out on the initial wave, you should be able to get your hands on the updated version. I call it upgraded since the YSL heel has been chromed to make it even more of a show-stopper.
It's evident that these aren't the most wearable shoes. They're difficult to walk in, aren't very comfortable, and are somewhat "out there," so you'll only be able to wear them on a limited number of occasions.
If you're a fashionista, however, you'll appreciate the concept of "show only" shoes. In a word, the Opyum is a closet prize for shoe aficionados.
Now I've found that these pumps run large, so I'd recommend going down at least half a size or half up depending on the person.
As if that weren't enough, they've also released an ankle boot with an option of black or chrome heels.
The Opyum boots from Saint Laurent are sleek and refined, adding a premium touch to your winter ensemble. They have a pointed toe and a side zipper closing and are set on a structural heel with an intertwined YSL monogram.
There is also the beautiful Saint Laurent Opyum slingback pumps.
Opyum slingback shoes from Saint Laurent will add sophistication to your on-duty ensemble. With a low-cut vamp, elasticized sling back strap, and structural metal YSL heel, they're sculpted to a pointed-toe.
With all of that out of the way, this now concludes the article.
