Images via Vogue.com

Stefano Pilati’s spot at the top of Yves Saint Laurent is as precarious as it ever has been, with rumors that Raf Simmons of Jil Sander will take his place hanging over the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2012 collection. Will it be Pilati’s last? If it is, he’s going out on a positive note, footwear included.

There’s something alluring about the metal plates that adorn all of the YSL spring shoes in various ways. I’m particularly partial to the smooth gold shields that cross the fronts of suede loafers in various colors, although I’m betting that the metal-capped toes will do better at general retail. Are you digging the heavy hardware look?