For Nine West’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection, creative director Fred Allard took inspiration from the roaring ’20s and ’30s and gave them fresh spin by combining colors, textures and prints.

At an exclusive press presentation and interview in Singapore, the footwear brand displayed strappy sandals and colorful platforms, with thick wedges and ensembles in various prints and colors.

None of the no-nonsense black pumps here; even the pumps for Spring have a pearly sheen and a slanted heel.

According to Allard, bold and big-soled sandals are still huge this season, and Nine West’s offerings will certainly not disappoint fans of color. What’s new this time, however, is the clever mix of colors in one design, and the mix of color with other textures, such as bright pink sandals with espadrille-inspired heels.

On the lighter end of the color spectrum, pastels will be as popular for shoes as they are for clothing. Expect to see footwear in muted rose, aqua, light yellow and pale green. And just like metallic separates are going to be trendy this season, footwear will most certainly have more shine.

Silver and gold footwear are the most popular on the runway, and seen on display were sandals (even sneakers) in metallic finishes of bronze, silver and gold—some featuring thinner, more minimalist heels.

Mixed media

Many of the shoe designs unveiled for Spring/Summer were highly decorative. Details such as braiding, glitter, lacing and multiple buckles make those gladiator styles of seasons past look plain in comparison. Most styles took the mixed-media route, such as sandals that combine lacing and laser cutout details. Others featured interesting prints and straps with a wraparound effect.

Wedges are also here to stay, said Allard, but this time, the current collection featured styles with striped and print heels, with heels made of natural elements such as raffia and wood.

What of the platform style of last season? “We have one style in the collection, but I think it’s a tricky style to pull off. I always have to think of my customer and you need super skinny legs to be able to wear this style,” said Allard.

One style the brand is branching into is the sneaker—but more stylized, of course. Expect funkier versions in print and even in metallic snakeskin, a favorite among editors.

“Everyone is in a rush, always wanting to catch up, and sneakers are just so easy to wear. All the high-fashion brands are doing it, so this is a big initiative for us,” added Allard.