Dedicated follower of Fashion

Shoes, glorious shoes

Now I must admit, I’m a sucker for shoes. High heel shoes I must add. Cute ballet pumps are fine for the Saturday morning shopping trips and lazy days at the pub but there is no better feeling than stepping out of the house in a pair of 5 inch heels. Yes I know they may not be the most sensible of footwear, with recent studies showing that injuries from high heels cost the nation around £29 million a year, but they are undoubtedly the most stylish. Any woman knows that wearing a Chanel tailored trouser suit or your favourite high street buy just wouldn’t be the same without a pair of fabulous heels attached to your feet. Heels make you stand tall, improve your posture and make you ooze confidence that will make any man go weak at the knees. Over the past few decades, shoe designers have come into a league of their own, with people no longer seeing footwear just as a necessary item, but as an additional piece of their outfit. And in the world’s current financial state, shoes are seen as a more affordable and accessible way of keeping up with the latest trends and adding a new edge to last seasons wardrobe.

Of all the classic shoe designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Yves Saint Laurent and Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin has to be my favourite. After launching his range of high-end women’s shoes in France, 1991, he has become one of the worlds most recognised shoe designers. Since 1992 his designs have included his signature red sole which is now recognised worldwide. To give an example of just how well known he has become, high street stores such as New Look and Faith are now selling shoes featuring an identical red sole. Louboutins’ fall/winter 2009 collection contained leopard print boots with a lethal 6 inch heel, perfect to wear skinny jeans or leggings, leather and lace shoe boots that will add a tough and sexy edge to any pretty dress and of course the classic black patent platform which will add sex appeal to any outfit. His creations will forever be remembered as classic items and will be in demand for many years to come.

Looking through the autumn/winter 09 accessories collections, it is clear to see that this season’s footwear is very sculptural and dramatic. Often it is the shoe that is the focal point of the outfit rather that the clothing. Statement ankle boots can be found in many collections such as Alberta Ferretti’s stunning beaded design, Chloé by Hannah MacGibbon’s tan canvas wedge boot and Lanvin’s grey snakeskin boots with steel cap on the toe. These are designed to be worn with this season’s modern take on punk, but are also excellent at adding a tough look to delicate floral’s.

The man of the moment for me has to be London based designer, Nicholas Kirkwood. His designs have been used at shows including Belstaff, Basso & Brooke and 3.1 Philip Lim, cementing his place as one of fashions most loved newcomers. With his sculptural designs and edgy features, his shoes scream out to be admired. His autumn/winter 09 collection all feature unique platform sole, which is fast becoming his signature design. Snake skin, leather and goat hair are the theme of this collection, each boasting an eye watering 5 inch heel, which is said to help to lengthen the leg.

My favourite pair from this collection are beautifully created from soft black suede, with a spider-web like pattern on the front, laser cut from snakeskin with a metallic finish. Looking fabulous with a pair of skinny jeans, classic white t-shirt and boyfriend blazer for drinks with friends, or with a sequined mini dress for a big night out, these shoes will see you through many good times in your life.

While the designer labels are still undeniably the masters of shoe design, the high street are certainly hot on their heels. Standards in quality have increased so dramatically over the past decade that it is sometimes hard to tell apart a designer pair from a high street one. Stores such as Dorothy Perkins, Mango and French Connection are all stocking the latest trends, straight off the catwalk. I have found the store with the most impressive array of footwear to be Topshop. This is a store that has collaborated with several designers over the years including Jonathan Saunders, Preen and Christopher Kane and now shows at London Fashion Week. They know how to stay on trend and keep up with the latest fashion. This is shown in their shoe department which is filled with chunky platform ankle boots, cute brogues and studded platform stilettos. And when over the knee boots were all over the catwalks earlier in the year, prompting a huge surge in demand, Topshop did their best to provide. And they didn’t disappoint, with several stunning styles quickly becoming available, all at reasonable prices. And as mentioned earlier, with the world still in a financial crisis, even those who previously shopped only in designer stores are now hunting for a bargain. An £80 pair of crocodile print ankle boots seems a snip compared to around £900 for a pair by Christian Louboutin.

So this season, whatever your chosen style may be, whether it is a embossed leather ankle boot, suede platform with snake skin detail or even goat hair ankle boots look no further than Nicholas Kirkwood. His designs will leave you speechless and longing to have a pair of these creations in your collection. Although, if your purse strings will not stretch to the price of these, then head down to Topshop for a more affordable range of outstanding footwear. Whichever you choose, walk tall, have fun and enjoy.