Forget White Trainers – Every Fashion Person Is Only Wearing This Colour Now

The year is 2011. Phoebe Philo - fashion's messiah, quiet commander and Céline's creative director - is closing her show. But this time, the moment of impact isn't stitched into hemlines or cut into tailoring. It's walking out with her. As she takes her final bow, the designer steps out in a uniform that's become something of a cut in itself: skinny jeans, a roll-neck (hair tucked in - a noted Philo-ism), and a white, conspicuously unbothered pair of Adidas Stan Smiths. Within a few moments, the groundwork had been laid for what was set to become the bestselling trainer of the last decade.
Phoebe Philo at the Celine Autumn/Winter '11 show. ©Getty
What followed was a golden age of '70s sneaker renaissance: an era of trainers that looked as if they might have belonged to the cooler sibling in a Wes Anderson film. The fashion set, Victoria Beckham, Raf Simons - and Philo again in 2014 - all stealthily contributed to the rise of the retro trainers, legitimising them in virtually every setting, with the exception, perhaps, of global politics. (Justin Trudeau, we're looking at you).
Fast forward to now, and the retro sneaker hype hasn't lost its footing. If anything, it's sprinting ahead: take Wales Bonner's bonafide collaboration with Adidas, for example, which continues to sell out on sight, or look at the craze caused by Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico trainers. We've seen so many Stan Smith revivals or sportswear brands reissuing iconic styles from their archives (hello, Puma Speed Cats). Dries Van Noten has created vintage-inspired trainers, which are a masterclass in scarcity marketing, and if you're reading this, chances are that you, too, own a pair of Adidas Sambas - whether they're still in or not.
The point is, retro trainers are the piece of footwear to which we'll never want to say goodbye. But in 2025, there's a notable caveat: all-white kicks no longer make the cut. Call it the limit of ubiquity, their cool having fallen victim to the trends inflation rate, or the fact that they have suffered death by repetition on mums at the school gate (and the cropped, skinny trousers and ankle socks combo didn't help). But, a piece of good news, the industry's tastemakers are switching things up. And if Philo were to give her stamp of approval today? Chances are, it would go to pale yellow sneakers.
Already shot out into the mainstream by hamstring-bracing shorts king, Harry Styles, who wore Prada's skinny sole, collapsible heel style out for a stroll this summer, the sunshine-bright shoes aren't hard to find. Loewe's cult-y On collaboration brought forth a pair that fashion editors have bookmarked and backordered. Maison Margiela's newly-launched 'Sprinters' have arrived in a beige-could-be-sun-bleached-yellow colourway, and as for 'The Tennis' by Jacquemus in suede lemon sorbet? Practically extinct in popular sizes.
From L-R: Jacquemus' The Tennis trainers; Loewe X On Cloudventure 2.0 trainers
So, what's the takeaway? A happy trainer equals a happy life? Maybe. Or, perhaps, the trend pendulum has swung and we've temporarily eschewed white trainers for something with a bit more character until the oversaturated stampede of alpina white shoes has died down again. Either way, if you're contemplating a trainer upgrade this summer, might we gently suggest opting for a dopamine-inducing shot of colour for your feet? Scroll on to shop our favourite pairs below. 1.
Onitsuka Tiger, Mexico 66 2.
Loewe X On, Cloudventure 2.0 3.
Jacquemus, The Tennis 4.
Adidas Originals, Tokyo Shell Sneakers 5.
Miu Miu, Tyre Sneakers 6.
Russell & Bromley, Budds Retro Trainers 7.
Prada, Collapse Re-Nylon Sneakers
Henrik Lischke is the senior fashion features editor at Grazia. Prior to that, he worked at British Vogue, and was junior fashion editor at The Sunday Times Style.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Scottish Sun

2 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Zara McDermott says she's ‘taking a step back' from ‘negative' social media amid Sam Thompson online abuse

Find out what Zara will be focusing on instead Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ZARA McDermott is taking a hiatus from social media to focus on making a new documentary about family violence. The former Love Island star announced her break from socials just days after ex Sam Thompson came face to face with her new boyfriend, Louis Tomlinson. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Zara McDermott is taking a break from social medi Credit: Getty 3 It comes days after her ex Sam Thompson (L) ran into her new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson during a training session ahead of Soccer Aid 2025 Credit: Getty She split from Made In Chelsea star, Sam, earlier this year after five years together and was spotted with the One Direction singer in March. Zara took to her Instagram stories to update her fans and explain why she was stepping away from social media for a short while. "I also just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who messaged me with regards to the story I posted the other day," she began. "If you didn't see it; I spoke about developing my next documentary and how I've been thinking of how to create a project about domestic abuse, coercive control and tech abuse." Zara revealed she had received thousands of message from people who had stories to share and she was still going through them. "But I wanted to say the biggest thank you ever. It's so nice speaking to you all because I've definitely taken a bit of a step back from socials to focus on my documentaries and other work just focusing on being more present recently," she explained. The TV star added: "Social media feels quite heavy and a negative space sometimes... so to be able to feel like we can work together to do something super positive is a great feeling. thank you again. forever grateful to all of you who continue to support the work i do. it really means SO much." Her post comes just days after Sam and Louis came face to face while representing England in the charity football match, Soccer Aid. The pair had already crossed paths on the training pitch last week, prior to Sam pulling out of the game due to injury and later attended the same pre-game dinner. Both men looked relaxed this evening as they milled around their hotel with fellow squad members. Zara has already ruled herself out of attending the star-studded match. Sam presented a video of his charity work in Guatemala to both sets of players, something he found much more nerve-racking than meeting Louis. He said: 'I did a small talk in front of everyone, which was terrifying, and I maintain I think it's the most important thing I've done in my 32 years of life. 'I really do believe that. Getting to go to Guatemala to see what UNICEF do on the ground is just life-changing.'

Scottish Sun

2 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Why has Thomas Markle NEVER met Prince Harry? There can only be 3 reasons and the third is bad news for Meghan, says pro

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FATHER'S Day has just been and gone, but one dad who was not given a royal shout out was Thomas Markle. The former lighting director, 80, is estranged from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 43, and hasn't even met her husband Prince Harry or his grandkids, Archie and Lilibet. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Meghan Markle's dad Thomas Markle has not seen his daughter for years Credit: Phil Penman - The Sun 9 Royal experts have said there may be three reasons why Meghan has never introduced Prince Harry to Thomas Credit: Getty 9 Thomas pictured with Meghan growing up Credit: Thomas Marlke 9 Thomas was not able to walk Meghan down the aisle at her wedding - and King Charles did it instead Credit: Getty Royal experts have queried why an introduction has never been made, and royal author and broadcaster Hugo Vickers claimed there could be three key reasons. Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, he said: 'Why did Mr Markle never meet Prince Harry? 'There can only be three reasons for that. 'One that she was ashamed of him, which I think is a bit unattractive. 'Two, possibly that she thought he'd done something, but when Prince Harry rang Mr Markle up and asked if he could marry his daughter, he said 'you can marry her as long as you never raise your hand against her'. 'Of course we don't talk like that, so maybe he lives in a world where people have done that sort of thing. 'I dispute that as well. I don't think that's the case. 'The third reason is that I think she was worried that he might actually have warned Prince Harry - this is not what you're getting, this girl.' Thomas famously didn't attend his daughter's globally-televised royal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 due to suffering two heart attacks - although her mum Doria Ragland did. He watched the wedding of Meghan and Harry from a £23-a-night Airbnb in the country. Meghan shares videos of Archie and Lilibet to wish Harry a Happy Father's Day After the pensioner - who divorced Doria in 1987 - was unable to walk his daughter down the aisle, they've not been in contact since. Hugo continued: 'Mr Markle should have been at the wedding and they should have flown him over and stuck him in a health farm in the Shetlands or somewhere. 'Prince Harry should have gone up to see him and if he couldn't have walked the aisle he should have been sitting there, because, as you rightly say, he did a lot for that girl and she even admitted it in the early days before she distanced herself from him.' Due to their estrangement, Thomas previously confessed he has resigned himself to the fact he will most likely never meet Archie, six, or Lilibet, four. 9 The Sun's royal editor Matt Wilkinson talking to Hugo Vickers and Samara Gill on our royal exclusive show Credit: The Sun 9 Thomas has not yet met his grandkids, Lilibet and Archie Credit: Instagram 9 Meghan's mum Doria has met the royal family and is active in her grandkids' lives Credit: PA This is despite him living just 250 miles away from Meghan for years, in a home filled with pictures and accolades of his daughter - who he affectionately dubs "Megsy". Now Thomas has left his California home after 10 years and has relocated to South East Asia to spend his time with "kinder people". The Duchess' estranged father also admitted that while he doesn't like some of Meghan's behaviour, his "door is always open". MARKLE FEUD 9 Meghan reportedly has not spoken to Thomas in years Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 9 Thomas has done numerous TV interviews about their relationship Credit: ITV Turmoil between the pair erupted after Thomas posed for paparazzi pictures ahead of Harry and Meghan tying the knot. However, Meghan has previously shared the hurt and "betrayal she felt" by her father. She opened up about her relationship with her estranged dad and said she was left feeling crushed when he lied to her about not talking to the media. In her sensational interview with Oprah in 2021, Meghan said: "I'm trying to decide if I'm comfortable even talking about that. 'It was... if we were going to use the word betrayal.' Meghan Markle on how dad Thomas Markle 'betrayed' her IN her candid interview with Oprah, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about her relationship with her dad and said she was left feeling crushed when he lied to her before the wedding. Meghan said she tried to 'protect' her parents from the 'media frenzy' sparked due to an 'obsession about anything in my world'. It was the first time Meghan has publicly discussed her dad, who she has not spoken to since before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Thomas, an ex-Hollywood lighting director, has spoken about her daughter's relationship publicly and described their decision to walk away from the royals as embarrassing. Their relationship soured in the run-up to their 2018 Windsor Castle wedding, when he admitted agreeing to stage pictures of himself. Meghan was asked if it felt like a 'betrayal' when she found out her dad was working with the Press, and replied: 'I'm trying to decide if I'm comfortable even talking about that. 'It was… if we were going to use the word betrayal.' Meghan added: 'Because when I asked him, when we were told by the comms team, this is a story that was going to be coming out, which, by the way, the tabloids had apparently known for a month or so and decided to hold until the Sunday before our wedding because they wanted to create drama, which is also a really key point in all this. 'We called my dad and I asked him and he said, no, absolutely not." Oprah then said: 'He said no, absolutely not. He hadn't been talking to them. So he basically lied to you.' The full transcript of the interview can be read here. MEGHAN'S FATHER'S DAY SNUB This follows Meghan sharing a rare video showing Archie and Lilibet to wish Harry a Happy Father's day. The heartwarming footage was posted on Instagram with Jason Mraz's hit 'Have It All' playing in the background. "The best," she captioned her post. "Happy Father's Day to our favorite guy." The compilation showed photos and videos of Harry laughing, dancing and spending quality time with his children through the years. While Thomas - and also King Charles - was omitted from the post, Meghan did post a tribute to Doria on Mother's Day. The Duchess has been more open with posting her children this year, amid her new business ventures, including her As Ever brand and her Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan.

Wales Online

2 hours ago

• Wales Online

Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones confirms TV return in BBC period drama

Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones confirms TV return in BBC period drama Ruth Jones, who played Nessa in Gavin and Stacey, has confirmed her next TV role following the conclusion of the BBC sitcom last year Ruth Jones is returning to TV screens in a new BBC series (Image: Getty ) Following the conclusion of Gavin and Stacey last year, Ruth Jones' next television endeavour has been confirmed. The 58 year old actress, who played Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins in the popular BBC sitcom, also co-wrote the show with fellow actor James Corden, culminating in a final festive special in December 2024. ‌ Despite breaking ratings records with their final festive episode, Ruth and James, who portrayed Smithy on the show, confirmed it would be the last instalment of the hit series. ‌ Now, Ruth is preparing for a new acting role that is a far cry from Nessa and her life on Barry Island. She's set to star in an upcoming BBC series called The Other Bennet Sister, which is based on a well-liked Pride and Prejudice spin-off novel, reports the Express. Ruth starred in Gavin and Stacey as Nessa (Image: BBC ) Article continues below Dame Esther Rantzen urges Lords not to block assisted dying legislation READ MORE: Ella Bruccoleri, known for her role in Call the Midwife, will play Mary Bennet, while Ruth will take on the role of her mother, Mrs Bennet, and Richard E Grant will portray Mr Bennet. Other cast members include Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Poppy Gilbert and Laurie Davidson, among others. Spanning 10 episodes, The Other Bennet Sister will centre on the story of Mary Bennet. The series is adapted from Janice Hadlow's novel, which features characters originally created by Jane Austen. ‌ The first part of the series recounts the events of Pride and Prejudice from Mary's perspective, before diverging and following Mary as she journeys to London and the Lake District. The BBC description of the forthcoming drama states: "The Gardiners take Mary under their wing as governess to their three children - Marianne, George, and Rebecca - introducing her to an exciting new social world that includes Mr Hayward, Mr Ryder, and Ann Baxter." Production for the eagerly anticipated series is in full swing in Wales, with its premiere slated for the coming year. ‌ Filming for The Other Bennet Sister is underway (Image: BBC ) BBC's head of drama, Lindsay Salt, shared her enthusiasm for The Other Bennet Sister, calling it an "irresistible treat" for viewers. Lindsay expressed: "It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world." Article continues below Meanwhile, Jane Tranter, the executive producer, commented on the casting: "Our actors had a lot to live up to - and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams." She added with assurance: "Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy." Audiences will be able to catch The Other Bennet Sister on BBC One in the near future. Fans can revisit all series of Gavin and Stacey via BBC iPlayer.