FIRST LOOK: MELISSA

Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and CSS prove that plastic is fantastic.

The tagline for Melissa is “Plastic Dreams”, and they’re not kidding—especially not for fall ’10.

The latest collection from the Brazilian footwear brand is practically a fantasy for fashion followers. Think boots from Vivienne Westwood, wedges from Alexandre Herchcovitch, and—gasp—strappy sandals from Jean Paul Gaultier.

There are plenty of old favorites—like those plastic Herchcovitch oxfords that sold out last season and the Westwood sherbet-shaded slingbacks—but also a slew of exciting new pieces.

Neon, the hipster Sao Paulo clothing label, teams up with Melissa for the first pair of vintage-inspired shoes. The flats look like something you’d find at a thrift store, only they’re totally new and completely waterproof. Another pair of flats, designed by CSS’s lead singer, Lovefoxxx, is perfect for both bar hopping and stage diving. And, of course, there are those G.I. Jane jellies from Gaultier, who seems to have spent more time on his one pair of Melissa heels than he did with his entire Target collaboration.

Even the in-house designs have us wishing for rain; from Victorian-style booties to ‘70s-inspired pumps, we wouldn’t complain if we had to wear them every day. Consider it our very own plastic dream.
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS

This story was published on March 9, 2010.