I wanted to write a quick post – probably the last of the year - sharing an update on the web site and life, really. This year proved to bring some difficult and trying changes but you know what? – I came out stronger, happier and full of life. I can already tell 2015 is going to be incredible and we have some fun projects in store for you! Some of you have been reading my blog for over five years (!) – I sincerely can’t thank you guys enough for the continued support.
I’m currently living in Los Angeles and started working with talented photographer Will Tee Yang. We went to go play at The Grove with a few of my favorite shoes and God bless Will for having the incredible skill to capture these photos because a model I am not.
I’m wearing the Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps and Gazolina boots:
Cheers to more shoe love ahead in 2015 and for more beautiful photography, follow Will on Instagram (real models included).
Beyoncé attended the 2014 Billboard Women in Music Luncheon wearing a merlot knotted draped dress by Haute Hippie with a thigh-high side slit. She paired it with Gucci horsebit-embellished Claudie ankle-strap sandals in brown leather. These chunky 70s’-inspired platforms don’t do anything for her outfit…and they feel out of place.
Oscar TiyeZoe cage sandals Since it’s December and the event was held in NY, I’m not crazy about an open-toe shoe however this unique tassel-embellished sandal in the warm rose gold is a playful option. P.S. – I have these shoes baby blue, j’adore!!!
Daniele MichettiSveva slingback pumps This spicy yellow snakeskin is a perfect complement for her burgundy dress. They also feature a low-cut heel counter and black woven leather trim.
Bionda CastanaDekota pump I love these femme fatale inspired shoes with sexy corset-style laces, geometric leather paneling and sheer mesh sides. Check out how they look on the foot.
Gianvito RossiCarey strappy pumps I can’t get enough of these beautiful Fall ’14 shoes in natural python with three thin buckled front straps.
Nicholas Kirkwoodcolorful pointed-toe pumps Beyoncé’s previously worn many shoes by Kirkwood and these pointed-toe heels are my wildcard choice featuring multi-color Mexican-inspired needlepoint embroidery. I like this shade of pink & aqua paired with her dress.
We may be heading into the homestretch of the dog days but our craving for all things summer – including cheery footwear, is still very much alive. Before we dive into fall styles (boots & boots galore) we want to share our favorite styles from Oscar Tiye’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection.
We’re huge fans of their bold designs and love supporting emerging brands who really bring something new to the shoe game. After being named “One to Watch” by WWD, designer Anima Muaddi went on to become a finalist for the 2014 Who is on Next? competition organized by Vogue Italia and AltaRoma.
We love stalking photos of Parisian and Milanese runways, but it just so happens that a lot of the brightest shining soles aren’t the ones name dropped during late night television, they’re crafted by names that are just starting their ascent into greatness.
Here’s a list of our favorite up & coming designers, burgeoning brands and impressive footwear designs that have caught our eye. Since we began compiling this list months ago, several designers are already that much closer to fashion stardom! Many have spotted their work in an upcoming September issue, graced the feet of Hollywood’s finest or even landed a coveted spot in the iconic Bergdorf Goodman window displays.
Sarah Flint With internships at both Diane von Fürstenberg and Proenza Schouler under her belt, it isn’t surprising that the stunning shoes designed by Sarah Flint have a decidedly architectural bent. Adding a twist to classic designs, layered suede and shaped 3D leather are all a part of her impressive repertoire. As for us? We’re dying over her heeled Hayworth sandal.
Henri Lepore Dezert You might remember Henri Lepore Dezert from our recent interview with the designer himself, but just in case you need reminding, he’s a man with his star on the rise. Unafraid of mixing antique embellishments and sentiments with ferociously confident modern day flair, his designs are classic, yet sensual; perfect for work and for play.
Melis Yildiz Blending traditional themes with high fashion touches (think: PVC detailing on a classic suede pump or metallic and textured thick heeled sandals), the punchy colored soles designed by Melis Paciotti for her brand Melis Yildiz are nothing short of show stoppers. Turkish born and Italy-based, elegance is met with vibrant sass with fabulous results.
Alejandra G. Alejandra G. has one goal in mind: make an impact and make it big. The larger than life combinations of cherry red and leopard print, platform pumps and tassels, and snake print and studs just scratch the surface of the gotta-look-twice collections designed by the ever-fierce Alejandra. Slipping into a pair of these celebrity-endorsed sky-high heels will definitely make you the center of attention.
Giannico Nicolò Beretta is a luxury footwear wunderkind and his brand Giannico reveals this 18-year-old’s massive talent. Giannico’s collections take architectural embellishments and flair to an entirely new level, weaving 3D geometric shapes into dramatic curves and swerves that have been snapped for the pages of Vogue Italia and Marie Claire Italia. Endlessly creative and new to the game, we’re sold on Giannico’s eclectic elegance.
Gianluca Soldi Contemporary, sleek, confident. In a nutshell, that is Gianluca Soldi, whose designs balance the razor’s edge or romantic and modern. After freelance shoe designing for little brands you might have heard of (Kenzo, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace to name a few), Gianluca started his own brand to fully encapsulate his vision. The result is sleek lines and vibrant color combinations, pin-thin heels and exotic skins, and we can’t get enough.
Giseli Dias For every understated Sofia Coppola, there’s a Lady Gaga to balance her out. If Lauren Marinis is the Sofia in question, Giseli Diaz must be Gaga circa Pokerface. Her shoes are stratospheric in height, the patterns and colors are brighter than Oz, and there are enough rhinestone embellishments to make Elizabeth Taylor lose her cool. Fierce and unique, Giseli Diaz’ shoes make a bold statement.
Lauren Marinis You might think that sky-high 5 inch heels aren’t for everyone, but one glance at Lauren Marinis’ vibrant, unique, and undeniably elegant collection will change your mind in a heartbeat. Using iridescent greys, teal snakeskins, and dyed calf-hair to prove sophistication can be vibrant, luxury never looked so obtainable. Her pumps will fill you with confidence and make you look like you have legs that go on for months, what more could you possibly want in a killer pair of shoes? Excuse us, we’re swooning over here.
Chloe Gosselin Chloe Gosselin has stated that music, vintage aesthetics, and visual arts deeply inspire her collections and the resulting dark romance of her shoes is palpable – every design in her fall 2014 collection was named after a poisonous flower, after all – and yet, she never loses a sense of deep-rooted luxury or sophistication. Every discrete detail and hint of snakeskin belie an adoration of immaculate quality that would be at home on any cobblestoned Parisian street, and that sense of easy chic is priceless.
Malone Souliers With a keen eye for detail and an adoration of luxury, Mary Alice Malone – the genius behind the brand – brings new life to staples. Flawlessly, she blends pops of color, ropes of suede as ankle straps, sleek lines evocative of equestrian gear (unsurprising, as she was a member of the Junior Olympic Equestrian Team as a youth), and exotic skins into soles that demand to be worn to work and to a ritzy soiree after. Simplicity doesn’t denote mediocrity and Malone Soulier’s not-so-basic basics seal the deal. We especially love the strappy peeptoes and the ankle booties.
Charkviani Charkviani is a brand with modern aesthetics with an international twist, aiming to make their footwear collections wearable art. Their shoes are fit with fringes, ruffles, patent tortoiseshell leather, and thick ombre plexiglass heels, making the concept not for the faint of heart, but for the fiercest of the fierce. Having aided the shoe designs of Diesel, Chloe, John Richmond, and Kanye West, Charkviani is leading the charge to make their own name.
Thomas Lieuvin Dedicated to comfort and to style, Thoman Lieuvin is a brand that almost seems too good to be true. Fanciful and feminine, every minute detail of his collections – from the vamp zipper to the superfluously chic straps, from the combination of printed calf hair and vibrant leather – urges you to take a step out of your comfort zone and into a new, chic state of mind. Think of it as Alice waking up in a Technicolor Wonderland, where you are Alice and Technicolor Wonderland is Bergdorf Goodman.
Andrea Wazen After studying fashion design in Paris and learning the ropes from internships at Rupert Sanderson, Elie Saab and Christian Louboutin, Andrea Wazen launched her own namesake luxury shoe line. Her designs exude feminine elegance topped off with their own “distinct personality” which you can shop at her beautiful boutique in Beirut, Lebanon.
Poise Design Candied apple sweet and Betty Page sassy, Poise Design is the perfect brand for the women who love a little (or a lot) of glitter to go with their electric pink, who love their pink loafers studded and their bows emblazoned with rhinestones. There is a very good chance that slipping into a pair of Poise Design’s shoes will make you feel like you’re playing a round of Pretty Pretty Princess, but when Cinderella herself would be jealous of your shoe collection, all you should feel is pride.
Karen Gallo If this day and age in fashion has one singular runaway trend that has exploded with unforeseen popularity, it’s blending urban flair with uptown sophistication and that fierce combination is honed to a gorgeous leather point in the hands of newcomer Karen Gallo. If structured lines, a monochromatic color palette, and contemporary verve is a hint of the collections to come, we’re officially waiting with bated breath.
Ffion Lloyd Inspired by the gorgeous vibrancy and intricacy of nature, Ffion Lloyd is a London-based footwear designer specializing in bringing atoms, crystals, cells, and other little-noticed microcosms to fashion life. She’s worked for Tom Ford, Sophia Webster, and Marc Jacobs, which only spells a positive future for her solo career. We personally can’t wait to see the stunning, mother nature-inspired collections she creates.
Blake Lively attended the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards held at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center on Monday in New York City. She wore a mossy green sleeveless mini dress covered in pink confetti-like flower appliqué with a scalloped hem by Michael Kors from the Resort 2015 collection.
She ran with the ’60s mod feel of the dress by adding a thick blush satin headband, pink suede Casadei platform pumps, plus large diamond hoop earrings and diamond encrusted natural wood bangles by Lorraine Schwartz.
Considering it was a fashion fête, you can’t blame her for trying, but she went too far with the accessories. I wish Blake ditched the OTT jewels and opted for a complementary single sole sandal.
Shoes She Should Have Worn: (based on Blake loosing the jewels)
Sophia Webster mixed media Alicia t-strap sandals These playful shoes are my spiciest choice featuring mirrored rose gold leather with fluorescent embroidery and yellow leather-trimmed insole.
AperlaïSimple D ankle-strap sandals in pale pink leather This is my favorite selection and the most complementary sandal embellished with a Swarovski crystal-studded toe strap plus caviar-beaded heel.
AperlaïLiberty Rivets sandals in pink leather & transparent PVC Aperlaï has a truly fabulous spring collection filled with red carpet ready shoes including these cutout sandals adorned with micro studded panels of clear PVC.
Christian LouboutinAqueduchesse sandals in glitter-coated leather We know Blake has M.Louboutin on speed dial and could get her hands on these brand new sexy lace-up sandals.
Rupert Sanderson Corona strappy sandals They’re from the Spring 2014 Antonio Berardi collaboration in a beautiful mirrored apricot leather with a ribbon candy inspired toe strap – total statement makers!
GiannicoCosmopolitan t-strap sandals Once again, Giannico is the wild card. Assuming her clunky jewels are out of the picture, the smooth pale pink leather combined with the yellow spiral adds a bit of finesse and fun.
This week Marion Cotillard attended the premiere of her latest film, ‘Two Days, One Night’ during the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. As a veteran ambassador of Dior, she wore the brand head-to-toe including an off-white pleated silk sleeveless dress with a high-low hem from the Spring 2014 Couture collection.
These fresh-off-the-runway Resort 2015 wrap booties might have worked for a photo call but they’re much too heavy for this ultra-glamorous red carpet premiere. I wish she had taken a shoe cue from Jessica Chastain and Rosario Dawson by selecting a memorable statement pump.
Shoes She Should Have Worn:
Stuart WeitzmanNudist ankle-strap sandal in lapis foil nappa There’s a reason these are already the most celebrity-loved red carpet shoe of 2014, they’re the perfect strappy sandal and available in over a dozen styles.
Christian Dior Haute Couture silver buckle and cube chainmail heels rimmed with tiny roses Marion wore these ‘modern pilgrim’ pumps to the recent Met Gala but I feel they deserve the spotlight once again. They’re exquisite and the most obvious choice as they were presented with her dress on the runway.
GiannicoPicasso pink & yellow patent leather, black satin and mirrored blue pump from the Fall 2014 collection This is the wild card and my favorite choice for Marion. It’s easier to imagine them from this angle. I hope we see more of this burgeoning brand’s eclectic and elegant shoes on the red carpet soon.
‘Tis the season for weddings and they’ve seemingly invaded every area of my life as of late…my younger sister just got married, my best friend is recently engaged and I’m supposed to be planning my own wedding!
Whether you want to walk the aisle in a classic pump, silk satin peep-toe slingback or glitter covered ankle-strap sandal, Christian Louboutin’s Spring 2014 Bridal collection has something for every bride – I can’t think of a more perfect shoe brand worthy of a bride’s big day.
There are several height options ranging from a 70mm kitten heel to a sky-high 160mm platform pump (which Victoria Beckham wore to Kate Middleton’s wedding). My three favorite styles include the Body Strass pump for the ultimate Cinderella princess moment, sheer Pigalace pump in romantic white dentelle lace and the glitter embellished Gwynitta sandal (a perfect match for a spaghetti strap gown).
I included all links below each style for product availability. For ordering questions, contact your closest Christian Louboutin boutique or inquire here for online orders.
Apostrophy white leather slingback pointed-toe pump with a tapered 100mm heel; available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Belly Nodo t-strap sandal in white leather with a small flat front bow and 120mm heel; available in black leather at Christian Louboutin
Gwynitta strappy sandal in glitter-finished leather with thin cross-straps and 100mm heel; available in silver glitter at Net-A-Porter or several other styles at Christian Louboutin
Impera laser-cut white leather pump with long corset laces and 120mm heel; as seen on Alessandra Ambrosio
Iriza d’Orsay pump in white leather with a 120mm heel; as seen on Kate Hudson, available in rose gold crystal strass at Saks Fifth Avenue
Jazzy Doll gold metallic sandal with a twisted t-strap, ruched front and 100mm heel; available in metallic gold at Neiman Marcus or several other styles at Christian Louboutin
Just Soon 85mm open-toe pump in white leather with an asymmetric front bow; available in several styles at Christian Louboutin
Martha 100mm t-strap sandal in white leather with sheer mesh lining, oval-shaped strappy cage design and 100mm; as seen on Charlize Theron, available in white or gold metallic leather at Christian Louboutin
Princess smooth white leather pump with thin silver glitter covered criss-cross trim and 100mm heel; available in poudre or white leather at Christian Louboutin
Valnina ankle-tie sandal with a laser-cut mirrored rose gold strap and gold mini glitter covered 100mm heel; available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue or Net-A-Porter
Vendome white silk satin slingback peep-toe pump with covered platform, asymmetric bow detail at the toe and 120mm heel; available in white at Christian Louboutin or black silk satin at MyTheresa
I’ve already expressed my love for these Rupert Sanderson for Antonio Berardi sandals time & time again but now they’re finally on my feet! Sanderson’s single sole Elba pump was the celebrity shoe of 2013 and I truly admire his clean & contemporary design aesthetic. He really outdid himself with this scrumptious Berardi spring collection & his footwear reign is bound to continue – have you seen the following Fall ’14 collaboration?!
I love the entire collection but my favorite style is the tricolor sandal in yummy pink, glossy apricot & mirrored rose gold leather. Although their official name is Tallyho, I’ve nicknamed them Saturn because of all the “rings” wrapped around my feet.
I took my usual sandal size, 37 and I’m super happy with the fit. It’s a whole lotta shoe with all of the straps but they’re surprisingly easy to put on. You can see from the photos below they have a slip-on elastic strap and looped velcro ankle-strap. They also feature a metallic gold covered heel breast, 110mm/4.3″ heel and almond-shaped toe.
New York, London, Milan….over one hundred shows, countless outfits, and an incredible amount of shoes later, we’re finally in the crème de la crème of fashion week: Paris. The City of Lights and Enviable Fashion! Grab a croissant and a café au lait, because we’re going to show you the hottest soles to walk the runway from Paris Fashion Week.
Credit: Elle
Anthony Vaccarello is a brand designed around the idea of a confident and sensual woman who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. The line is characterized by microscopic minis, excessive leather, and lots of cleavage. For all of Vaccarello’s verve and sass, the shoes are fairly classic and definitely the apparel’s subtle counterpart. Black, cherry red, and shining silver – the double strap pointed-toe pumps will assuredly show off your legs and complement any mini-hemline you rock.
Credit: Elle
If we were to describe the Fall 2014 line in a nutshell, it’d be Technicolor pirate meets Velvet Goldmine. From color blocked suede to luscious booties in metallic-laced snakeskin topped with a golden mirrored heel, just when you think that Dries Van Noten has reached the peak of gorgeous designs, he outdoes himself again. We’re in love with the ankle booties, but the t-strap thick heeled pump is also utterly jaw dropping. Who would have thought that silver-toned calf hair could look so futuristic and lux?
Credit: Elle
Rochas’ vibe in recent years has been ‘50s and ‘60s housewives with a sassy, outspoken twist – usually involving ornate embroidery and punchy colors. The heels (with straps or without, because variety is the spice of life) are incredibly embellished and not in a subtle kinda way. Literally dripping with bead and rhinestone embellishments, the pumps offer a not-so-classic-take on a traditional and practical silhouette. We love the way they’re styled with slightly conservative neo-conservative clothing, as it allows the bejeweled shoes to really shine.
Credit: Elle
It’s been a rocky road bringing the iconic brand Vionnet into the modern day, but designer Goga Ashkenazi has been tirelessly reinventing the bias cut to bring Vionnet back into the limelight. The result? Vibrant color combinations and stunning draping. However, things get a little more muddled where the footwear is concerned. While the calf hair booties are unique and the calf hair pump with geometric heel is phenomenally inventive, the furry multi-colored sandals are definitely too bizarre for everyday use.
Credit: Vogue
Oliver Rousteing’s latest Balmain offering is a blend of worldly streetstyle, voluptuous silhouettes, and Masai-inspired embroidery – without ever leaving that sensation of Parisian cool. It isn’t surprising that we’re seeing such bold footwear from Balmain; in recent memory, the brand has been devoted to making a high sartorial impact in the coolest way possible (Rihanna’s had a wonderful effect on the young Balmain designer in that way). Rousteing complemented the “safari chic” collection with olive, black, and gold intricately woven footwear that we’ll all be channeling come cooler weather. Those knotted leather sandal booties might actually be what our dreams are made of!
Credit: Vogue
Alber Elbaz’s Lanvin is all about making a woman feel like the most beautiful and the most enticing creature in the world, leading his line to be one of the most decadent season after season. Slipping on one of his designs transports you to a fantasy of Old Hollywood glamour with modern day power; this time around, the shoes did not escape that exquisite treatment. Thickly heeled, satin-covered, and exotically skinned (we spy with our little eyes alligator, snake, and stingray – oh my!), they’re over the top in a way that would make Marlene Dietrich keel over in ecstasy.
Credit: Elle
The ankle booties that stole Isabel Marant’s show were typical Parisian cool. Strappy and fitted in neutral-to-military colors, just looking at them filled you with a sense of sass and empowerment. While we love the combination of olive green and grey, the show stoppers were the designs that were primarily designed in fur with leather cross straps binding everything together. They were sheer excess in a way that is right up the alley of Beyonce or Rihanna – in fact, we’re sure both the bombastic icons will be snapped wearing them.
Credit: Elle
Christian Dior, much like other Parisian designers, are having a ‘90s influence. No, we’re not talking about Spice Girls’ level platform heels – Raf’s ‘90s inspiration revolves around colorful sneakers and molded rubber. Where his sneaker interpretation deviates from the literal (we’re looking at you, Chanel), is that he still includes a pointed toe pump in the design. High-contrast and unique, these shoes will be editorial hits and Anna Dello Russo favorites.
Credit: Elle
If Céline’s line is any indication, flatforms are going to have a moment in fall. While we’re not completely sold on the clunky silhouette, the gorgeous use of patent leather and neutrally colored ombre fade make us warm up to the designs more than we thought possible. Besides, who doesn’t love comfort? A flat shoe on a platform provides the additional height without the ankle strain.
Credit: Elle
As per usual, Chloé’s line of shoes are clean, sleek, modernist goodness wrapped in stunning suede, supple leather, and intriguing fur. We love the mixture of different textures on every design, if only because she takes simple ideas (black and navy, quilted leather) and elevates them to a plateau of high fashion. The complementary palette of eggplant, sage, navy, and cream make the designs stand out even more; the neutrality means that you will be able to wear these shoes practically anywhere, all winter long. When the heeled boots look this amazing, who could blame you?
Credit: Elle
The shoes are simply sensational in their open-toed and strappy sandaled goodness. From the exquisite color palette (burnished reds and oranges, stark whites, hints of mint, and streaks of snakeskin) to the perfectly unique silhouette that is edgy without being bizarre, Givenchy’s shoes are firmly cemented as some of the most covetable heels of the season. If this is Tisci’s glamour, we can’t be more thankful for the lack of sweatshirts.
Credit: Elle
Credit: Elle
We watch Stella McCartney’s shows for her neo-prep sensibilities, the kind that make you quirk your head to the side and think “wow, I never thought of styling a blazer like that.” Similarly daring, Stella’s shoes for this season are not for the faint of heart – the multi-tone flatforms are one part loafer and three parts gutsy. Ranging from neutral to star printed, they match her aesthetic of modernist with an attitude.
Credit: Elle
When Elie Saab presents his collections, we’re always expected stunning gowns and perfect, modern opulence. This time around, the footwear is strappy and dramatic, perfectly inter-weaving leather and suede. What has our heart pounding is the luscious color palette; the gorgeous purple perfectly balances the vibrant teal, further tied together with hints of black and beige. Swoon. If these shoes don’t scream sensual sophistication, we don’t know what heels do! We predict that these shoes will be mainstays on the red carpet and we can’t wait to see who rocks them.
Credit: Elle
If there’s one thing that’s certain about Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent, it’s that the collections are made for partying. Miniskirts, sequins, and enough fur to make an Old Hollywood starlet blush, they practically drip with Los Angeles essence; they scream “I’m a cool girl.” Why would the shoes be any different? Coming in primarily three styles, the strappy Mary Janes, London-style ankle bootie, and the sleek knee-high boots are knock-your-socks-off fabulous. Sure, you could go for the black patent leather or sleek chestnut suede variety, but we can’t stop looking at the glitter infused, rhinestone studded, and striped variations. Silver leather knee-high boots that walked straight out of a 1960s science fiction movie? Uh, yes. Please and thank you.
Credit: Elle
It wouldn’t be a Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel collection without a heaping helping of absurdity and Chanel’s supermarket chic collection is filled with just that. How absurd is absurd? Well, let’s just say we haven’t seen so many gym-ready Chanel shoes in…well, ever. That’s right: the Chanel shoes of the season are exclusively sneakers, taking a cue from the last haute couture collection where kneepads and fannypacks were standard fare. The collection was rife with multi-tweed sneakers that came in ankle and knee-high variety, perfect for those who like their style to have a dose of novelty.
Credit: Elle
It’s no surprise that Valentino’s FW14 footwear offerings are sensational – their shoes have been ruling the streetstyle blogs for a few seasons now. This collection, they’ve embraced Italian Pop art by use of rich red hues, mod shapes, moody blues, and a stunning mosaic print. Alternating the styles between knee-high boots, a stellar ankle bootie, and a lovely strappy pump, we predict that these shoes will be everywhere come September.
Credit: Elle
This is the first collection from Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen that we’re seeing large undertones of dark and gothic romanticism that truly feel like they were taken out of Alexander McQueen’s diary. Keeping with the brand’s London roots (nevermind that it shows in Paris), the footwear collection was comprised entirely of hiking boots with a stuffy Victorian twist. Imbued with ruffles, and embellished with fur, the booties were on the masculine side of decadent but decadent nonetheless. Some of the most intriguing? The knee-high eyelet lace ups; only the most courageous would rock those.
Credit: Vogue
Nicolas Ghesquière’s premier collection for Louis Vuitton was a smash hit and filled with pieces you want to buy and wear to shreds. The footwear did not escape the lush treatment, designed in combinations of black, beige, and cognac leather – a select few were even adorned with a gold LV medallion. We love the curved heel that pervaded the shoes, but our hearts are set on the two-tone mid-calf boot with superfluous straps.
Credit: Vogue
Miu Miu’s collection was all about girlish, stick-to-your-teeth sugary charm. Pastels were rampant, the bags were perfect, and the shoes? Well, the shoes were just charming. Candy colored satin booties and metallic paisley brocade pumps were all fitted with a playful screw-like pin heel. If the hardware motif is not up your alley, the transparent waterproof boots are sure to make the impact you’re looking for.
After New York and London fashion week, you can start feeling a bit burned out. So many beautiful collections, so little time! You could spend your afternoon flipping through Style.com slideshows to keep caught up or you could come to Shoerazzi, where we offer a comprehensive look at the strongest collections of the fashion month with our eyes directed to the enviable footwear. This time around, we’re reviewing the always seductive, always gorgeous shoes of Milan fashion week.
Credit: ELLE
Stella Jean is an up-and-coming designer that has been curating a lot of buzz since her launch last season. So much buzz that she managed to pull major Milan fashion power hitters into the crowd! The pattern-on-pattern-on-pattern feel of the line is both earthy and fashion forward, bohemian while still being body-conscious. The footwear mimicked the phenomenal patterning throughout the collection, making the ankle booties and stilettos alike a feast for the eyes. Those amazing colorful tweeds and African wax prints were transformed into shoes that beg to be worn everywhere, regardless of season. It’s hard to say where a brand this young is going, but one thing is certain: if they keep having clever footwear collaborations – Christian Louboutin is no slouch – and enviable apparel, the future is bright.
Credit: ELLE
Like so many before it, Gucci’s Fall 2014 collection revisited the archives. Specifically? The sixties, emphasizing clean lines, precision, and snug tailoring done in a myriad of baby blues, mustard yellows, sage greens, dusty roses, and spliced with edge by animal print. The Mod appeal was complemented by the fabulous knee-high boots that pervaded the collection. The silhouette of the boots is classic, modernized by blending their iconic horsebit loafer with a Chelsea boot. In keeping with the palette of the apparel, the boots are pastel perfect.
Credit: ELLE
Fausto Puglisi’s mini-skirt obsessed line is always fantastically fabulous. This season, he punched up the collection with vibrant graphic prints and leather paneling. Now, where there’s an enviable leg-baring dress, there are killer shoes to follow. The pumps were as geometrically-themed as the collection, combining supple leather and smooth suede into intriguing color combinations that would make compiling an outfit a cinch. We love the contrasting hues of the color blocked pumps, however our hearts are set on the inexplicable Lady Liberty pump that gives The Statue of Liberty a very fashionable makeover!
Credit: ELLE
After last season’s spectacular collection, we were wondering how Karl Lagerfeld’s Fendi would hold up to the extremely high expectations he’s been setting these past couple years. The verdict? Karl Lagerfeld Voodoo Doll aside, it was a masterful collection inspired by continental travel and the morose romanticism of the thirties. Though the fur apparel is always the main attraction of a Fendi show, the footwear designed by Nicholas Kirkwood held its own. The mid-calf booties are the perfect blend of sophistication combining supple leather and silky hair calf variants propped up by a coordinated stacked heel. Although we don’t think they’re the edgiest boots of the season, they’re a great mix of attitude and practicality
Credit: ELLE
Just Cavalli, the younger sister of Roberto Cavalli, is a brand addicted to sass and vibrant colors. The collection was eclectic and funky, the shoes matching the theme to a T with their colorful, fringy goodness. Heeled, open-toe sandals were color blocked and tasseled, while the ankle boots took on a fierce life of their own. We love the plethora of on-trend colors and our heart is set firmly on a pair of those gorgeous green tassel suede booties. Seriously. Apologies in advance to our bank accounts.
Credit: ELLE
Alessandro Dell’Acqua’s designs for No° 21 always have the appeal of a tomboy schoolgirl gone sassy; this season that wayward bourgeois appeal was in full force with floral sequins, slouching blazers, and sheer one-shouldered dresses. The shoes themselves drifted between modest 50s-inspired flats, clunky boots, and shoes that carry a very peculiar arts and crafts appeal. The pumps have everything from fleece bows to glitter covered heels embellished on top of calf hair, making them an intriguing statement piece that we can all expect to see on Anna Dello Russo before long.
Credit: ELLE
After last season’s cacophony of colors, Prada’s latest offering seems almost dower by comparison. It was definitely as extravagant as we always expect (multi-colored shearling coats, layered sheer dresses that are the perfect kind of delicate), though at times felt disjointed. Luckily, the strangely bizarre and always modern shoes we await season after season reappeared with sky-high mechanical wedges embellished with industrial-looking rivets. Without a doubt, the footwear will appear on fashion It girls everywhere the millisecond they’re stocked on the shelves.
Credit: ELLE
Jeremy Scott’s premiere at Moschino was just as bizarre and weird as we all expected. Taking a cue from “fast fashion,” nods to candy wrappers, Spongebob Squarepants, Budweiser, and Ronald McDonald were standard. Colorful, kooky, and just shy of completely unwearable, it was one of the more memorable collections of the season. Luckily, the footwear felt more realistic for every day wear. Would we rock the riff on the McDonald’s M? We’re not so sure, but we do love the emblem-embellished Moschino ankle strap pumps.
Credit: ELLE
This season, Versace was decidedly more conservative than we’re used to seeing in recent years, shelving blatant sexuality for satin, asymmetrical hems, and military buttons. The footwear was just as vivacious as usual, however, and practically screamed “red carpet ready.” Suede over-the-knee boots were embellished with gold chain and ankle booties featured a dangerously pointed toe that would make the Wicked Witch of the West excited for fall shopping. That said, the stand-out shoe was easily the woven suede mule, where the military inspiration met seamlessly with sartorial sophistication.
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Close your eyes and think of Roberto Cavalli, what do you picture? If we were to guess, you saw an explosion of fur, metallics, and snakeskin. You would be spot on! Cavalli is known for opulence and he very rarely disappoints. This season is no exception, especially where the phenomenal shoes are concerned. The ankle-strap sandals feature a classic silhouette drenched in luxuries such as beige python trimmed in metallic silver leather and a regal mirrored gold covered heel breast.
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Jil Sander’s label is currently in freefall after the namesake designer resigned from the position last year, leaving the remaining design team to pick up the design books and curate a collection that stuck to Jil Sander’s DNA – even if Jil Sander wasn’t there to oversee the designs herself. So. How’d they do? Well, where the apparel stayed to a relatively neutral palette that hinted at colors instead of embracing them, the footwear (wedge brogues and platform loafers) were punchy in their vibrancy. Electric yellow snake skin, deep green laces, and merlot wedges were all part of the strong footwear offering.
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Prints, studs, and fox fur – oh my! This latest collection from Peter Dundas for Emilio Pucci is one of the strongest he’s created for the legendary Italian house and that goes double for the footwear. Strappy, sexy & studded is our perfect recipe for a killer sandal. The braided leather and classic palette of the sandals make it infinitely wearable and ultimately racy. Of course, it wouldn’t be a fall line without boots and Pucci’s selection is decidedly crazier than his sandals. The cow-printed hair calf, sleek red leather, and burnished golden medallions boots are flamboyant enough to even make Tom Ford grin in appraisal.
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Salvatore Ferragamo’s Fall 2014 collection offered up classic looks that did not feel stuffy and dated; supple tartans piped with black leather, needle-punched jacquard, and metallic wool blends made the collection covetable. For the footwear, the brand offered exotic skin strappy sandals and heeled loafers embellished with grommets as well as over-the-knee leather boots done in a similar motif.
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Dean and Dan Catan are known for keeping kitsch and wackiness at the forefront of the Milanese runways, served with a massive helping of sass and panache. Sleek alligator leather paired with colorful jacquard in a Mod-style ensemble? Not every brand would show such a combination with a straight face, but we love DSquared2 for that reason. The footwear channeled the sixties vibe and then added the crazy. Embellished sandals walked the runway covered in elaborate gem stone vines and ankle straps were fastened with padlocks- bizarrely perfect in the DSquared2 way.
