[Image: Elle.com]
What do you think of these new styles from Balenciaga? The obsession with geometric styling is still in evidence, but 'plasticky' toy-tone notes have been replaced with a more hand-woven vibe, with a big emphasis on soft textiles. That's quite a departure for the label that brought us hard-edged 'Lego' shoes, but it'll certainly fit in nicely with the folksy vibe that's coming through stronger than ever in next season's look books.
Once again, our old friend the 'pinched' cone heel is making an appearance. Having been seen most notably on Louis Vuitton's thigh-length ribbon boots, the look is already filtering on to the high street: these sandals from New Look also have the round-bottomed heel.
Related: Trend alert: 'Draping' on the Balenciaga catwalk | Paris Fashion Week S/S '10: Alexander McQueen goes to extremes
