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Who What Wear reports seeing velvet Mary Janes and Venetian-style slippers on women’s streets in Madrid during an October visit, with similar styles also noted in Milan. The report describes the shoes’ colors, piping and varied designs, but does not provide sales data or evidence that the trend has spread widely beyond those observations.
Velvet Mary Janes and Venetian-style slippers were a recurring sight during a Who What Wear writer’s October visit to Madrid, according to the publication’s report on fall 2026 footwear. The shoes, described in jewel tones with contrast piping and offered as both strapped flats and slip-ons, point to a street-style trend that may interest shoppers looking beyond sneakers—but the report does not establish how widespread it is across either Madrid or Milan.
The writer said the velvet flats appeared repeatedly on Madrid streets, including versions with one or two Mary Jane straps and simpler Venetian-style slip-ons. The common features were soft-looking velvet, decorative piping and saturated colors. The account is based on the writer’s observations during a visit, rather than a street-style survey or sales figures.
The article also presents Flabelus, a Spanish footwear brand, as a contributor to the style’s popularity, noting that the writer regularly visits the brand’s Madrid shop. It lists options from several labels, including Vibi Venezia, Celine, TOTEME and Boden, alongside more affordable choices. The product list indicates the range of styles available; it does not show that each item has been independently verified as popular in Madrid or Milan.
The footwear has Italian roots, according to the report. Traditional friulane, also called Venetian slippers, originated in the Friuli region and later became associated with Venice. Their soft rubber soles were once favored by Venetian boatmen, while contemporary versions have been adapted with materials and details such as velvet uppers, piping and Mary Jane straps.
A Dressier Alternative to Sneakers
The report offers a snapshot of how a familiar flat-shoe shape is being styled for fall. Velvet and rich colors give a Mary Jane or slip-on a more decorative feel than many everyday sneakers, while the flat construction keeps the footwear in a practical category. For readers, the useful takeaway is not that sneakers are disappearing, but that velvet flats are another option appearing in European street-style coverage.
The story may also help shoppers distinguish between related designs. A Mary Jane has a strap across the foot; a Venetian-style slipper is typically a slip-on. Retailers are offering both interpretations, with differences in color, trim and materials. Any purchase decision should account for comfort, construction and price, not just the trend label.
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From Friulane to Modern Flats
The report traces the style to Friuli in northeastern Italy, where traditional velvet flats developed before gaining a place in Venetian life. Their soft soles suited boatmen, and later versions became more fashion-focused. The article does not give a date for that shift or a detailed history of the footwear.
In the writer’s account, Madrid provided the immediate street-style setting: during an October visit, the writer noticed the shoes repeatedly and mentioned Flabelus as a local point of reference. The headline and framing connect the observation to Madrid and Milan, but the supplied report gives its first-hand street observations specifically from Madrid. It does not offer a separate Milan street-style count or describe how the style has changed over time.
““Everywhere I looked, women were wearing the pretty velvet flats.””
— Who What Wear writer
How Broad Is the Street Trend?
The report does not quantify how many people wore the shoes, compare their frequency with other footwear, or provide retail sales data. Its observations come from one writer’s October visit to Madrid, so they cannot establish that the style has taken over the city or is being worn broadly across Europe. Although Milan is named in the trend framing, the supplied account does not describe a separate observation there.
It is also unclear whether the style will gain traction with U.S. shoppers, as the article predicts, or how long it will remain prominent. The product list shows that retailers carry similar shoes, but availability is not proof of consumer demand. Prices, stock levels and the continued availability of the named products may change.
Whether the Style Travels
The next indication of the trend’s reach would come from additional street-style reporting in Madrid and Milan, as well as evidence from retailers about demand and stock. The Who What Wear article points readers to a selection of velvet flats for fall, but gives no announced follow-up date, sales figures or forecast supported by market data.
For shoppers considering the look, the practical next step is to compare materials, sole construction, fit and return policies. The report describes multiple designs, but does not test them or make claims about comfort or durability. Fit can vary by brand, so checking each seller’s sizing guidance is sensible before ordering.
Key Questions
What shoe style did the report describe?
It described velvet Mary Janes and Venetian-style slippers, including strapped flats and slip-on designs with contrast piping.
Where did the writer see the shoes?
The writer said the shoes appeared repeatedly during an October visit to Madrid. The supplied account does not give a separate first-hand observation from Milan.
What are Venetian slippers or friulane?
The report describes them as traditional velvet flats that originated in Italy’s Friuli region and later became associated with Venice. It says their soft rubber soles were once favored by Venetian boatmen.
Does the report prove velvet flats are replacing sneakers?
No. It records a writer’s street-style observations and presents the flats as a trend to watch. It includes no survey, sales figures or comparison data showing that they are replacing sneakers.
Which brands were included in the shopping list?
The list featured options from brands including Flabelus, Vibi Venezia, Celine, TOTEME and Boden, as well as other retailers. The article’s list does not confirm current stock or availability.
Source: whowhatwear.com
