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    Balletcore is here to stay, and these Miu Miu flats prove it

    Call it the Miuccia Prada-effect.

    Zoe Anastasiou's avatar
    By Zoe Anastasiou
    Published 4 August 2022 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Miu Miu ballet pumps
    (Image credit: Getty Photo by Estrop/Getty Images)
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    Call it the Miuccia Prada-effect.

    Earlier this year, the internet heralded the rise of Balletcore, an aesthetic that embraces all the hallmarks of the traditional dancers' wardrobe. Think tulle skirts, leotards, slick topknots and pale pink everything. Pinterest reported that search volume for the term was up 1566%, and TikTokers jumped on the trend, creating videos featuring the hashtag which garnered over 40 million views.

     

    While it seems like this is a trend that has practically sprung out of nowhere, this is not the first time the fashion industry has borrowed ideas from ballerinas. In fact, Miu Miu famously released a series of ballet flats as a part of its Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The shoes featured a regular ballet pump silhouette updated with the addition of thick, chunky straps and ankle ribbons in mismatched colours. They were the designer It-item of the time, famously worn in the hallways of many a fashion magazine HQ.

    Fast-forward to 2022, and once again Miu Miu has jumped on the ballet flat bandwagon, though this time the label has reverted to the traditional. Models walked the Autumn/Winter 2022 runway in variations of white, pale blue and light pink satin ballet slippers, often paired alongside chunky knitted socks.

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    Much like the ballet slippers you'd find on actual dancers, Miu Miu's latest iteration features an elastic strap and dainty bow detail. Of course, it's no surprise to hear that many fashion industry insiders have already invested in the shoe.

    As a brand, Miu Miu tends to have a knack for creating buzzy-worthy, wishlist-topping items. Last season, you couldn't so much as scroll through Instagram without seeing one of the label's barely-there mini skirts and matching shirt sets. This season we're willing to bet these ballet flats will become just as in-demand.

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    Get the look:

    Logo-patch satin ballet flats, £550 | Miu Miu 

    Logo-patch satin ballet flats, £550 | Miu Miu 
    You'll look every bit the professional ballerina in these satin bow slippers. For the full Miu Miu runway effect, wear alongside thick knitted socks.

    View Deal
    Ribbon-strap buckled patent-leather ballet flats, £580 | Miu Miu

    Ribbon-strap buckled patent-leather ballet flats, £580 | Miu Miu
    2016's most in-demand item, these shoes were everywhere at the time and are still available to purchase today. Thanks to the buckle detail and ribbons, these shoes offer balletcore with a tough twist.

    View Deal
    The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat, £142 | Everlane

    The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat, £142 | Everlane
    For a minimalist look, opt for Everlane's take on the ballet slipper. Complete with an almond toe shape and bow detail, these are an absolute classic.

    View Deal
    Leather Bow Ballet Pumps, £35 | Marks & Spencer

    Leather Bow Ballet Pumps, £35 | Marks & Spencer
    As the closest pair we've seen to Miu Miu's iteration, these leather M&S flats are an affordable alternative.

    View Deal
    Tabi split-toe leather ballet flats, £580 | Maison Margiela

    Tabi split-toe leather ballet flats, £580 | Maison Margiela
    A modern take on the ballet flat featuring Maison Margiela's signature Tibi split-toe.

    View Deal
    Bow leather ballerina, £36 | Mango

    Bow leather ballerina, £36 | Mango
    The chicest high-street iteration, these Mango ballets flats come in several colours (including red and black).

    View Deal
    Leather Ballet Flat, £135 | Arket

    Leather Ballet Flat, £135 | Arket
    Arket's take on the ballet flat features a slightly more contemporary look. The silhouette offers more coverage around the foot and a square toe finish.

    View Deal
    Bow-embellished leather ballet flats, £195 | Porte & Paire

    Bow-embellished leather ballet flats, £195 | Porte & Paire
    Another classic option, these flats by Porte & Paire will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.

    View Deal
    Zoe Anastasiou
    Zoe Anastasiou
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    Fashion Editor

    Zoe Anastasiou is a Fashion Editor with over eight years of experience working across digital publications in New York, London and Australia. She has contributed to publications including Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE Australia, and was the Fashion and Social Media Editor at Who What Wear UK before joining Marie Claire. 

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