Beau Coops

Who started it? After completing a fine arts degree in New Zealand in 2000, aspiring shoe designer Carrie Cooper moved to Britain where she worked with a Portuguese manufacturer making footwear for brands such as Eley Kishimoto. After learning the art of cobbling, Cooper spent eight years designing for several brands, including Lacoste and Alexander McQueen for Puma, before relocating to Sydney, Australia, to head the accessory and footwear division of Ksubi. She launched Beau Coops last year with an autumn-winter collection.

Why we love it: the label combines various influences including Cooper's former home, East London, and the modern dandy (hence the name Beau). The styles embody 'boyfriend chic' and some are intended to be shoes that you'd be happy to borrow from your partner. The look is cool and androgynous with a hip, sporty edge. For autumn/winter, highlights include purple suede wedges, thigh-high peach boots and patent-toed loafers.

What we'd pick: the lace-up leather wedges (above left; HK$3,267) with cut-outs and an ankle strap are an S&M take on the traditional wedge. More stylish are the suede wedges (above; HK$2,760) with lace-up detailing on the sides.

Where can you get it? Beau Coops is available at Seibu, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2971 3888.