With the Olympics taking place in Paris this summer - one of sport's biggest events - it's a chance for monumental achievements and athletic history gold. Let's not forget it's a platform for making fashion history gold too. For me, what immediately comes to mind is the Cortez sneaker and how it helped to put Nike on the map.
Created by Nike founder Bill Bowerman as a comfortable and durable shoe for distance training and road running, the Cortez sneaker grew in popularity amongst the general public when it was worn by athletes during the 1972 Olympics, turning Nike into a multi-billion dollar company practically overnight.
Farrah Fawcett, glamorous pinup and it girl of the '70s - best known for playing a private investigator in the hit TV series Charlie's Angels - inspired a whole generation with her sporty style. One of the most iconic images of the decade is of Farrah wearing the Cortez sneaker, posing on a skateboard in flared jeans; her bright red sweatshirt matching the red of the Nike swoosh.
Amongst Farrah's many fashionable ensembles, she was often photographed wearing tennis gear and with it, an array of sneakers. Thinking about it, Farrah did tenniscore before it was even a thing, and her style is just as relevant today. With Zendaya's recent tennis-inspired outfits from her Challengers press tour, and Wimbledon nearly upon us, tenniscore is in full swing again. And as for the flared jeans? They're the style choice this season - as seen on every cool girl.
I especially love the daisy hair clip and bandana neck scarf.
Bella Hadid channelled the icon when she featured in a 2017 Nike campaign to celebrate 45 years since the release of the Cortez sneaker.
All eyes will be on Paris this summer as Olympians from every part of the globe go for gold. And with tennis and skateboarding both Olympic sports, who knows what fashion trends could be created once again, destined for streetwear. The main question is, which retro sneakers will you be wearing with your flares this summer? See below for my round up of cool girl-approved sneakers... KL Stylist.
Nike Cortez OG. £170. Farfetch
The Barbiecore of sneakers. Nike Cortez. £170. Farfetch
adidas SL 72 RS. £80 Redesigned but true to the original.
This particular sneaker and colour were made famous by the
character Starsky in the 70s TV series, Starsky & Hutch.
Puma Palermo. £75. The perfect tennis shoe. I love the hit
of green.
Nike Daybreak. £100. Loving the vintage orange.
Nothing says '70s more than a mustard yellow sneaker.
Gola. £75
OK, so no list of cool girl sneakers would be complete without
mentioning this classic. adidas Samba OG. £95.
Wow, interesting! I did not know about the Nike bit! Love this, and it has inspired me to go get those Puma's I once owned. Also, from hair to shoes, I would 100% recreate and rock that Farrah look! Great read, once again ❤️