The classic knee-high or even higher boot was the dominating message of footwear on the fall runways. Inspiration ran the gamut from retro futuristic metallic styles at Courrèges to more functional pairs rooted in outdoor pursuits such as fishing at Chanel or horseback riding at Hermès.

Hermès designer Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski has found the balance between sensuality and practicality with her fall collection. “It’s about a woman who asserts herself in her femininity and who owns her body,” said the designer. Vanhee-Cybulski showcased the body-con side of riding with an array of fitted catsuits, tight tops and leggings worn with thigh-high tights and flat boots. The looks were modern and timeless, giving the Rive Gauche woman a cool edge. “It’s a fusion of tradition and modernity. You have to know where you come from and who you are, but it’s also good to have the unexpected, and to be confident”, confides the designer, confident that the Hermès woman is. .

Isabel Marant, an expert at making boots the star of any outfit, based her collection on thigh-high boots, accessorizing looks with a sense of protection and glamour. The shoes were presented in a range of colors and finishes, ranging from solid black to metallic shades and paired with ultra-short miniskirts, knit dresses, loose outerwear and, in some cases, as substitutes for trousers . A padded style with an articulated knee and quilted effects worn over an allover denim look gave a utilitarian touch to the offering.

For Courrèges, the house’s iconic 60s and early 70s futuristic heritage was on full display in a range of patent leather over-the-knee boots in a variety of colors. A white mini dress with side cutouts and matching white leather boots looked as modern and groovy today as it did decades ago.

In Roberto Cavalli’s case, designer Fausto Puglisi infused an element of femininity with 3D cut-out flowers embroidered onto a pair of seafoam green leather boots that gave the trend a touch of hardcore craftsmanship. Sacai, Givenchy, Germanier and Balenciaga, to name a few, showcased some of the tallest and most striking boots of the season.