Gladiator Goes Glam

Matt Bernson "Equus", at Piperlime.

The summer’s flat sandal trend was perfectly timed for my trip to Capri, the island that originally elevated the leather sandal from gladiator gear to glam accessory.

It started in the 1950’s, when Capri became a playground for the rich & famous.  Film stars and fashion icons like Jackie Onassis & Audrey Hepburn spent many summers strolling the island’s picturesque streets.  This carefree lifestyle launched fashion trends around the globe as celeb-watchers sought to capture a bit of “la dolce vita” in their wardrobes.

As most would assume, Capri pants received their name and icon status when stars like Hepburn, Liz Taylor, & Lana Turner sported them on nautical jaunts around the island.  But my favorite piece of Capri fashion happens to be the flat leather sandals that are custom made in generations-old shops all over the island.  Not only are they classic and comfy; they’re spot-on for this season’s trend of Roman-inspired flat sandals.

Of course I had a pair of simple, classic sandals custom-made while in Capri (above), but luckily there are loads of perfect leather sandals out this summer to buy on this side of the Atlantic.  Here are my favorite picks, available stateside:

1. Arturo Chiang “Lisa”

*From Piperlime, $79

2. Mystique “1644″

*From Piperlime, $140

3. Bernardo “Medieval Woven”

*From Dillard’s, $109

4. Lilly Pulitzer “Jackie”

*At Lilly Pulitzer, $158

5. Mystique “1022″

*From Piperlime, $90

6. Enzo Angiolini “Costa”

*From Nordstrom, $60 (on sale for $30!)

7. Sam Edelman “Gigi”

*From Piperlime, $79