Fashion
13 Pairs of Showstopping Shoes From Designers You Don't Know
You're not alone if you're of the ilk that tends to buy clothes that are stylish yet admittedly safe. And shoe shopping is no different. But sometimes there comes a time when the need for something different, unique, or even a little crazy becomes apparent — especially when you want to break away from the fashion clones and stand out from the crowd. One way to do it? Just look down. These are 13 designers you won't see parading down the street just anywhere, so slip on their designs and walk a mile in their (gorgeous) shoes. And get noticed.
Carlo Pazolini Shoes
Founded in 1990, this Russian brand is known for its quality, sky-high heels, and sleek design. These booties combine the slinky, sexy look of shiny patent leather with the masculine structure of the classic oxford.
Carlo Pazolini Laced Shoes, $215, yoox.com
Anastasia Radevitch
A Canadian avant-garde shoe designer, Anastasia has turned conceptual ideas about utopia and the decay of society into a jumping point for creating fantastical shoes that are as unique as they are strangely beautiful. These “moss” covered shoes look like your feet have been enmeshed in a bed of the green stuff while frolicking in the forest, while the scythe-shaped heel gives a sinister edge to the otherwise ethereal look of the shoe.
Anastasia Radevitch Moss Ankle Boots, $1,180.21, anastasiaradevich.com
Cleo B
Cleo B is not a brand for the color shy. Cleo Barbour, the brains behind this offbeat shoe company, creates footwear that are colorful, sculptural, and fun. These colorblock beauties offer an eclectic mix of colors with fun details like the metal toe cap and gold tone tassels.
Cleo B Ironhide Bootie, $737.60, cleob.com
Crisian & McCaffrey
A woman and man duo, this British brand combines the sensual femininity of Nareesha (a British-born designer) and the sculptural edginess of Crisian (hailing from Venezuela) who met while studying at the London College of Fashion. This candy striper print pump has a sexy height courtesy of a concealed platform sole and the striped canvas upper has a mesmerizing geometric quality.
Crisian & McCaffrey Kourtney Pump, $512.62, farfetch.com
Vic Matie
The heart and soul of this brand is the creativity in how they interpret the chic, downtown woman. These ribbed boots have a minimalist aesthetic, but the angular shapes and “split hoof” platform speak to an attention to detail that is key in elevating these boots.
Vic Matie Leather Boots, $749, farfetch.com
Aruna Seth
Aruna Seth is a brand that is all about glamour and vertigo-inducing high heels. These candy-inspired peep-toes have a perfectly feminine rose hue that is complemented by pastel colored pearls encrusted into the five-inch high heels.
Aruna Seth Candy Heel in Rose Leather, $1,134.28, arunaseth.com
Alepel Shoes
A shoe brand devoted to geometry and architecture, Alepel is all about providing the modern woman with sophistication and balance. These heels have the signature Alepel line running down the heel, giving these classic nude pumps a sporty, yet sharp look.
Alepel Ligner High Heel Pump, $262, alepel.com
Kobi Levi
Hailing from Tel Aviv, Israel, Kobi Levi got his big break when Lady Gaga wore his Double Boot in her “Born This Way” music video, and he has been making adorably tongue-in-cheek shoe creations ever since. Or, as he calls them, “footwear art.” This shoe was inspired by the unfortunately uncommon incident of a sneaker stepping on chewing gum, and the result is, shall we say, genius.
Kobi Levi Chewing Gum Shoe, $2,240, kobilevidesign.com
Gienchi
Gienchi is an Italian sneaker brand that takes the classic canvas sneaker and adds a bit of street style flair with an array of colors, prints, and embellishments. This bedazzled pair’s gold metallic upper topped with with gold-tone studs gives a bling vibe while a distressed sole adds a little edge.
Gienchi Studded Hi-Top Trainer, $399, farfetch.com
John Richmond
Originally a menswear designer, British-based John Richmond is heavily influenced by music and its various movements and genres, thereby creating a distinctive rock ’n’ roll aesthetic. These Swarovski crystal-embellished sandals have an art deco vibe that’s right for dancing the night away.
John Richmond Crystal Embellished Sandal, $194.55, farfetch.com
Swear London
Swear is a British high-street brand that has cultivated a youthful following due to their rebellious take on classically casual shoe styles. These masculine-style lace ups feature a Keith Haring signature graphic illustration and a red striped low heel, giving these shoes a quirky yet undeniably chic edge.
Swear By Keith Haring Charlotte 8 Lace Up, $270, swear-london.com
Giacomorelli
The mixing prints-and-other-things designer of the shoe world, Giacomorelli has a flair for the unique and the innovative. These sandals have a sexy architectural cut-out design and a rubber sole that mimics the look of cleats, giving these shoes an upscale athletic look.
Giacomorelli Navy Sandals, $318, yoox.com
Depression
You heard that right. The design duo Andrew Loh and Kenny Lim named their eponymous line Depression after going through a low point in both of their lives, and their line produces shoes that are all about minimalism combined with the unconventional. These two-tone patent leather loafers have a high ankle back and an asymmetrical, futuristic buckle closure.
Depression Unicorn Loafer, $260.54, farfetch.com
