"My Favorite "hers and his" shoe Designers" Lola Adewole Lawson

Dear Readers , I will begin with the "Hers" for obvious reasons. Here we go!

Alexander McQueen

Bright, sexy, intriguing, and masterful are all the reasons as to why Alexander McQueen is on my top 5 list of female shoe designers.
A pair of Alexander McQueen ranges from about $300 to  $7000.

ornately-carved, gilt-bedecked AMcq shoe
cost $ 3495

Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik is a Spanish fashion designer and founder of the self-named, high-end shoe brand. With a career spanning over 30 years, Manolo Blahnik has become one of the most influential footwear designers in the world. His intricate designs have managed to become the obsession of shoe connoisseurs across the globe.In the popular long-running TV show " Sex and the City" Blahniks are a particular favourite of the character Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and as a result were mentioned frequently. A pair of Manolo Blahnik cost between $555 to $16, 000.

Red Satin Manolo Blahniks Pumps

 

Stuart Weitzman



stuart weitzman 2012

I cant wait to get back to Paris to get some of these Stuart Weitzman shoes.  Whisper "Stuart Weitzman" to any discerning shoe-lover, and you'll inspire a reverie. Sumptuous pumps . . . glittering mules . . . studded stilettos - Weitzman's creations are the shoe of dreams for women around the world. His trade mark use of unique materials (e.g. 24 Carat Gold, painted bottle corks ) , has earned  him a lot of attention around the world. the cost of a pair of SW ranges from about $250- $10,000 the high end shoes feature the most Unique materials.

Christian Louboutin

Here's a little write up about Mr Louboutin.

He began sketching shoes in his early teens, ignoring his academic studies. Going through a punk phase, the french designer starred in a few films, including 1979 cult classic Race d'ep. He was also a fixture on the city's party scene, clubbing his nights away alongside Mick Jagger  (founder owner of the Rolling Stones) and Andy Warhol (American artist who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art.

Louboutin helped bring stilettos back into fashion in the 1990s and 2000s, designing dozens of styles with heel heights of 120mm (4.72 inches) and higher.
When a women walks by and her sky-high heels have a bright red sole, this means only one thing... She has on a Louboutin. These instantly recognizable stilettos have become de rigueur (current fashion) on the red carpet, and amongst shoe connoisseurs alike.
Average Price range from about $500 -$3000




Christain Louboutin Glamour Shoes

  Christian Louboutin vs. Yves Saint Laurent
In 2011, Christian Louboutin company filed a trademark infringement of its red-soled shoes against Yves Saint Laurent and was expecting that the YSL red shoe design will be revoked and was also seeking US $1
million in damages. However, in August 2011,  a US based Judge denied the firm's request to stop the sale of women's shoes with red soles by Yves Saint Laurent. The judge questioned the validity of the trademark, writing, "Louboutin's claim would cast a red cloud over the fashion industry, cramping what other designers do, while allowing Louboutin to paint with a full palette. the judge also wrote, "Louboutin is unlikely to be able to prove its red outsole brand is entitled to trademark protection, even if it has gained enough   public recognition in the market to have acquired secondary meaning. 


Lovely, now we have profiled 4 of my favourite female shoe designers, now, i'll intoruduce you to my No 1 pick,

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo, born Choo Yeang Keat,  is a Malaysian fashion designer based in London, United Kingdom. He is best known for founding Jimmy Choo Ltd that became known for its handmade women's shoes.
Jimmy Choo was launched in 1996 when Tamara Mellon, Accessories Editor at British Vogue realised the potential demand for stylish but wearable shoes and approached Mr Jimmy Choo, the couture shoe maker based in the East End of London, recognised for his excellent craftsmanship. The Jimmy Choo name is associated with glamour and fashion , with hollywood stars such as Halle Berry and Cate Blanchett wearing them on the red carpet. Prices range from about $225 - $2000



Jimmy Choo Crystal 15th Anniversary Collection includes the  iconic Jimmy Choo skyscraper heels -2011 collection

 

Jimmy Choo Black Sandals

Hope you enjoyed that count Down, kindly see what i have for the discerning Gentleman. 

HELLO GENTLEMEN, YOU CERTAINLY ARE NOT LEFT OUT, HERE'S MY FAVOURITE TOP 5 MALE DESIGNER AND SHOE COUNTDOWN . ENJOY!

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds Shoes for Men, is an inspiring collection you would want to be a proud owner of. Allen-Edmonds still considers shoemaking an art. They painstakingly craft every pair of Allen-Edmonds shoes by hand, in a process that includes 212 different production steps. No detail is too small. Not a single stitch is overlooked, because that's what it takes to make Allen-Edmonds shoes the most comfortable, longest-lasting shoes you'll ever wear. Allen Edmonds is an American Designer.

Grayson tassel loafer ($335- $600) by Allen Edmonds

Show people what you’re all about in this graceful, elegant loafer. Side lacing, tassels, and a tapered, squared-off toe create a flattering day or evening look. The Grayson also features the Allen Edmonds’ signature full leather lining for superior fit and comfort.

Fratelli-rossetti

Fratelli Rossetti production has a distinct consumer target that is international. Their designs are rarely seduced by passing trends, as an alternative, their products exude class and sophistication. Their consumers tend to appreciate the fit, the shape, the quality of the leather and accessories, the workmanship and finish. The history dates back to 1953, the year in which Renzo Rossetti, along with his brother Renato, founded a shoe factory in Parabiago in the Province of Milan in Italy.




Fratelli-rossetti-monkstrap- ($600-$700)

 
 

Some will recommend wearing the Fratelli monkstrap with a suit. Although, i would say, that the side buckle just doesn't add to the streamlined look one is going for when wearing a suit. My recommendation is to pair them with lightweight slacks or corduroy pants. Jeans can also be worn, just make sure they're not boot cut.

 BALLY

  

Bally shoes have remarkable craftsmanship and great wearability. They are characterized by soft leather that makes them extremely light yet comfortable.

One interesting quality of Bally shoes is their style. Bally has a specific design approach: they want to achieve an “overall shape”. This really means each and every design has related characteristics, colour leather manufacturing, sewing manner, as well as logo placement giving their shoes series a sense of cohesiveness.

The Bally Shoe Company was founded as "Bally & Co" high fashion in 1851 by 2 brothers in the basement of their family home in Switzerland. 

Bally Wingtips Brogues or Oxford shoes $395



Possessing Bally shoes or boots suggests a dedication to tradition and history, Footwear designers that have never compromised their top quality and design with price. All Bally footwear have been synonymous with classical beauty. Founded in beautiful Switzerland in 1851 by 2 brothers, Bally shoes had their humble beginning in the basement of the family-owned home

 

Jeffery West

Born and bred in Northampton, the historical centre of the British shoe making and leather industries, childhood friends Mark Jeffery and Guy West were surrounded by tradition and history from the word go, even more so for Jeffery as his father ran the family owned shoe factory in the town. Perhaps not a surprise therefore that they would go on to become shoe designers, but the fact that they began their first business as 16 year olds, designing and selling their own shoes at markets in Northamptonshire and also at Kensington Market in London, shows remarkable prescience and motivation.

Jeffery West Aubergine Polish Shoe Manson 1899 Gibson $500

Pictured above is the very high quality, highly polished leather aubergine Manson shoe with spider punch design. These beautiful Jeffery West Aubergine shoes are not in the usual colour for a male foot wear, however, trust me, they are one of the most gorgeous footwear that can be adorned by a man if put together appropriately.  

.......... AND MY NO. 1 FAVOURITE (DRUMS ROLLING) IS

THE SALVATORE FERRAGAMO BOOTS

The salvatore Ferragamo Shoes are handcrafted from the finest leather imaginable, a tradition that made Salvatore Ferragamo a favourite of the stars during Hollywood's glamorous early years—and a favourite today.

The man Salvatore Ferragamo, a native of Naples, Italy, was a teenage shoe apprentice before moving to California and becoming known as the shoemaker to the stars. Ferragamo returned to Italy in 1927, where he officially launched his own collection.

The company is still family owned and operated in Florence, (Florence is an important city in Italian Fashion , being ranked within the top 50 fashion capital of the world) where you'll also find the Ferragamo Museum, home to thousands of shoes (including the famous invisible sandal, cage shoe, and wedge heel).

Salvatore Ferragamo Boots $650

Features of the SFB pictured above- Its a Brown patent leather, tonal top stitching, elastic gusset (for easy entry) , and stacked heel, an all-weather rubber ankle boot designed for the aesthetics value, comfort and the functionality. These shoes also have an active carbon insole for breathable comfort and is also available in black.