Spoilt for choice
In the Sex and the City sitcom, the four fashion-conscious stars are often teased about confusing pretty shoes with love. With the various styles to choose from this season, it is understandable that women's passion for shoes can border on unabashed obsession.
Ballerina flats, that became must-have items thanks to celebrities such as Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung, show no sign of wavering in popularity. Booties, perfect for Hong Kong in autumn and winter when the temperature seldom dips below 10 degrees Celsius, also continue to reign. And pumps remain the perfect choice for those looking for both style and comfort.
Cole Haan's Fall 2011 collection juxtaposes materials such as patent leather, oiled vachetta and soft suede with wool felt, nubuck and nappa. Exotic colours, such as oxblood, burned orange, golden glow and greige, give the American brand's classic designs a contemporary twist. This season also marks its fifth collaboration with Maria Sharapova, with the latest collection marrying the traditional and the new. The Air Alexis collection features monk strap and buckle details, while the Air Bacara ballet's lacing makes it a modern ballerina's dream come true. Nike Air technology ensures the 24-year-old Russian tennis star's collection doesn't lack comfort.
Nine West is also in a collaborative mood this season - hot on the heels of its collaboration with New York-based fashion designer Sophie Theallet for spring-summer is its Shoelaborations collection with Giles Deacon. Eek, a mouse-like character created by Deacon, is a theme that unites the collection's footwear and handbags. 'Partnering with a global footwear leader such as Nine West has given me the opportunity to expand my reach in the world of accessories and create a collection that reflects my design personality, while capturing the spirit of the brand,' says the British fashion designer.
GEOX's newest collection features the Italian brand's patented breathable sole. From loafers to boots, sneakers to ballerina pumps, comfort is the key word in this collection. For ladies who have a love affair with high heels, GEOX offers wearable footwear, such as bi-colour suede ankle boots and patent leather square-toed court shoes.
Men are just as spoilt for choice this season.
Using materials such as suede and leather, GEOX's latest men's collection includes lace-ups, sneakers and loafers with its breathable sole technology. A new kid on the block is the ankle-high lace-up which is a boot, a sneaker and a loafer all rolled into one.
Liu.Jo's clothing lines' sultry style is echoed in its shoe collection. For those who enjoy channelling the femme fatale look, the collection's 1980s-inspired Glam Elegance theme delivers feminine footwear such as stretch ankle boots with pointed tips. The Shiny Party theme, meanwhile, features details such as light gold or nickel metal ribbons and safety pins with pendants. From loafers to ballerina flats to ankle boots, Zadig & Voltaire's footwear is embellished with metal studs, partners in crime for the rock star in you.
