. . . AND A DASH OF CHUNKY CHIC

Pierre HARDY, the cult shoemaker from Paris known for wild runway heels and stunning gladiator sandals, is the latest designer to join the cheap-chic pack: His collection of three-inch wood wedges and pointy metallic flats hits the Gap and www.gap.com March 6.

Hardy’s stint as Gap guest designer is the store’s latest effort to transcend its image as stodgy purveyor of khakis and basics. Patrick Robinson has been hired as creative director, and Rodarte, Thakoon and Doo Ri each designed a simple white button-down shirt for a limited release last year. Hardy, who did a collection for Gap Europe last fall, is being more imaginative with his line, and the store is charging more for that extra dash of style: Hardy’s heels will be $78 to $98. “Everyone has an idea of what a Gap outfit looks like,” he says. “I wanted to tap into the history and tradition of the brand but add some freshness and youthfulness.”

And that he has, since it’s young nimble things who will be able to navigate his 4-inch platforms, one with striped canvas ties at the ankle for a perky ‘50s look, the other more aggressive with three Army green canvas straps across the top. Two sandals look strikingly similar to his namesake line: a T-bar gladiator and a simple, chic open-toe flat with crisscross straps over the top of the foot. Both would spice up a simple summer dress -- especially one in geranium pink. And who knows what Hardy will do for fall, when his second Gap collection comes out.