fashion

By OLIVIA LEE

Make space in your footwear closet for these beauties.

clove@thestar.com.my

When it comes to footwear, us girls have an in-built know-how on everything pertaining to it.

We will tell you that wedge shoes don't equate to platforms or how pumps come in round-toe, pointy-toe or even square-toe and how T-bars should not be mistaken for Mary Janes.

We also have a discerning eye like no other when it comes to differentiating one pair of black shoes from the other.

Throw in colours and we'd tell you easily that rose red is not pink, nor is turquoise, blue.

Sadly, shoemakers know our addiction to accessories only too well. Just look at the abundance of footwear they design season after season, offering better, sexier soles than what we have in our existing shoe cabinet.

Let's take a look at what shoe connoisseur Jimmy Choo, trendy and affordable Charles & Keith and newcomer Sergio Rossi have to offer this Spring/Summer.

Brace yourself ladies!

It's got to be Choo

Exoticism is always a strong vein in the Jimmy Choo world.

This season sees a wealth of exotic print combined with rivets and contrasting coloured hides. There is a lot of snake skin (and embossed leather to make it look as such) too.

And of course, super high heels are always in order.

There are so many delectable pairs to choose from. There are wedges, ballerina slippers, peep toes, pumps, flat thong sandals, platform sandals and the list goes on.

One notable design from the lot is the "Quito", a webbed cage sandal with a 120mm sculpted heel in two colours – a very psychedelic blue and green combo or the very safe black. For a semi-webbed look, one can opt for the "Shakira".

New to the brand is the Choo 24/7, which is essentially Tamara Mellon's favourite style in a variety of colours, materials and heel heights.

There are seven categories – one for every day of the week, of course – The Icons, The Perfect Platforms, The Perfect Pointy Toe Pump, The Perfect Round Toe Pump, The Perfect Flat, The Perfect Wedge and The Perfect Evening.

The "roar" factor

Charles & Keith has infused traditional African and Roman techniques with contemporary style to create fashion for modern women.

"Into The Wild" carries classic animal prints juxtaposed with glossy, natural and rich colours. The collections themed "The Roman Revolution" and "Rubik Magic" feature polished-rounded-studs and sharp buckles for the former, while the latter is more of an indulgence of colours.

Overall, expect classic sequin, satin, suede, patent, chain, surreal ornament, mirror metallic patchwork and exotic animal print materials. Meanwhile, designs like the slingback, strappy, pump, d'Orsay, wedge, T-bar, gladiator and sandal make waves this season.

Its Signature Label feature soft shades of natural tone juxtaposed with fringe and ruffles transpire that very French je ne sais quoi.

Canvas fabric injects a dash of unpredicted flair with an eclectic mix of colours and embellishments by pairing strappy platforms or architectural stiletto accoutrements.

Animal instincts

Now, if fishnet is your thang, Sergio Rossi's latest collection is the one for you. Forget the snake skin or animal prints but think mermaids as shown in the "Sirena" boot and ankle boot.

And as the "Metamorphsis" theme suggests, the woman, like a chameleon, will be transformed at the slightest contact with her shoes. Metaphorically speaking of course.

If you prefer suede, look for "Fenice" or for colourful footwear with lots of curves, grab the "Volto".

Or when all else fails, there's still the Gladiator cut that is oh-so sexy in the form of heels or flat sandals.

Suede, lambskin, lizard-embroidered goat skin, metallic calf skin, eel skin–these materials overlap, as do the colours in subtle chromatic play. Bright saturated shades contrast with muted tones; fuchsia with beige, firefly green with natural tan, dazzling yellow subdued by a spot of grey are some examples.

The brand makes its Malaysian debut via a flagship boutique on G2A, Indulge floor of Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.