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Just Anna Shoes

Who started it? Anna Chan (below), 27, is trendy, dynamic and starting to generate buzz with her label, Just Anna Shoes. Born in Britain to parents who emigrated from Hong Kong, she's now based near Manchester. Chan turned her back on a stockbroking career in London to hone her talents in shoe design.

'I always wanted to set up my own business', Chan says, adding that her 'eureka moment came during a visit to Harvard University [in the United States]', where she was considering doing an MBA. Having decided to become an entrepreneur, Chan set about researching the business and setting up meetings with suppliers. She started working with experienced shoemakers, whose technical expertise complemented her flair for design. Chan, who speaks fluent Cantonese and basic Putonghua, dreams of opening her own stores in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As for style influences, she names Alexander Wang, but her all-time favourites are Britons Matthew Williamson and Julien Macdonald.

Why we love it: Chan's shoes are unashamedly feminine, but not too fussy. Her favourite colour is pink. 'I like bright colours. I'm dressed like a rainbow in the summer - you can't miss me,' she says. Her shoes are fashionably high-heeled, but comfortable and versatile enough for day and evening wear. 'My signature niche isn't like Christian Louboutin's red sole, nor is it like Roger Vivier's comma heel,' Chan says. 'It is simply this: my shoes come with attitude. I want the person who wears these shoes to know that the shape, colour and style are bang on trend.' True to Chan's word, this season has great shapes and cut-out styles, with a spectrum of pinks and neutrals dominating the heeled sandals - glamorous without being over the top.

What we'd pick: the sling-back Caitlin sandal (top; HK$2,800). with delicate leather and lace appliqu? is an up-to-the-minute, fresh yet smart look and the platform adds a bit of height for elegance. We also like the pale pink Hayley shoe (above; HK$2,800) - an embossed leather peep-toe heel with lace detailing.

Where can you get it? Just Anna Shoes is available at www.justannashoes.com.
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