Nicki Minaj wasn’t playing when she declared Giuseppe Zanotti heels, “the monster shoe.” From sneakers to pumps to heel-less sandals and wedges, Zanotti has it all–and celebs are clear fans.
Zanotti’s star client list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. Everyone from Kim Kardashian to Cassie to Keri Hilson has been spied in a pair of their pumps or wedge heels:
From my personal experience they’re more comfortable and somewhat more affordable than Louboutins (especially during sale season). Take a look at a few current styles:
2. Nicholas Kirkwood
Though Nicholas Kirkwood of course has his share of regular pumps, he makes a splash by playing with platforms, along with alluring lace ups, and colors:
Beyonce, Lala, and Ms. Dynamite have been seen in brand’s lace up platform sandals, and Thandie Newton loves chic Kirkwood pumps:
Try these on for size:
3. Charlotte Olympia
Charlotte Olympia’s signature ‘island’ platforms offer height and a distinctive look. Jennifer Lopez, Estelle, Erica Reid, and Kim Kardashian have all worn a pair, sidling up to the brand’s vertiginous heels:
Editors, socialites, and the fashion set clearly cosign:
Get ‘em here:
4. Brian Atwood
Want conservative class? Opt for Brian Atwood. Never audacious, the platform beauts set a stylish standard without an in-your-face aesthetic.
Atwoods will run you $600+, though the lower priced yet equally cute B by Brian Atwood line has options in the $300 range:
5. Walter Steiger
Heel curator Walter Steiger is now more known for his curved heels than anything else. The family owned company has a small, but growing client roster amongst Hollywood glitterati, including Nicki Minaj, Ashanti, and Beyonce.
Walter Steiger heels are a bit elusive–they’re not stocked in many luxury department stores, which only adds to their caché:
Prices start at $300 (on sale) and up. Get ‘em at Barneys.com.
6. Gianmarco Lorenzi
Nicki Minaj likes to take risks with her footwear, so she’s frequently spied in pairs on various red carpets, Beyonce is also a client, wearing Lorenzi shoes for casual dates and blockbuster videos
Look to spend anywhere from $500-$1,000:
7. Pierre Hardy
French brand Pierre Hardy colorblocks with the best of them, and also offers fun deviations like paillette peppered heels, and metallic tinged sandals:
While Hardy’s flow in and out of favor with women (depending on the season), men stay fly in Pierre Hardy sneaks all year round:
Pierre Hardy shoes average $500 and up, though you can find some on sale for around $300:
8. Ruthie Davis
Ruthie Davis’s neon, spiked, look-at-me heels have been worn by everyone from Amber Rose to Beyoncé.
Davis’s styles make a splash thanks to fun details like deconstructed heels, vivid bursts of color, and fun embellisments:
While few celebs are adventurous enough to try her more bold styles, trust us when we say there’s a lot to love. Expect to spend $500-$1,000 (but keep an eye peeled for sample sales!):
9. Camilla Skovgaard
Danish designer Camilla Skovgaard makes shoes her own with signature spiky, serrated rubber soles. Whether playing on sandals or pumps, the soles render regular shoes fun, edgy, and walking works of art:
Kimora Lee, Kim Kardashian, Brandy and Halle Berry have worn the brand, catering particularly to its leg lengthening cutout sandals:
Prices start at $250 (on sale), and go up, up, up:
Aside from loving a few particular shoes designers, we of course can’t get enough of the accessories available at select fashion houses. In addition to offering amazing ready-to-wear, these brands also have the shoe game on lock.
A few of my favorites:
10. Lanvin
If you love Lanvin dresses, you’ll adore Lanvin shoes. It seems the brand always offers the highest yet most elegant wedges and heels, with sexy strap details and ribbon ties.
This season, they came out with cut out heels, laser cut boots, and pumps with sequined flower embellishments:
11. Prada & Miu Miu
Big sister Prada and little sister Miu Miu consistently offer unique and intriguing footwear. Every season, stylistas like Rihanna, Kourtney Kardashian, and Monica take their pick of polka dot platforms, brogues, ankle strap pumps:
Prada and Miu Miu shoes are comfy, and have sick sales.
Check out a few Prada picks here:
And more from Miu Miu:
12. Fendi
Yes, Fendi goes a little overboard with logos sometimes, emblazoning boots and sandals with the ubiquitous “F” on the toe box:
But once you get past the logo lovin, you can cling to Fendi’s adventurous hues, high platforms, and classic swagger:
13. Gucci
Gucci is known for understated luxury, and their shoes reflect the house’s sensibility.
14. Versace
Want a pair of bright, high as the sky, can-barely-walk, couture/stripper heels? Look no further than Versace:
Only the strong need apply:
15. Yves Saint Laurent
Nothing says ‘classic’ more than YSL Trib and Tribtoo pumps and sandals. When you need a ‘go-to’ shoe, look no further
Of course this list is far from complete. Every house from Louis Vuitton to Givenchy to Dolce & Gabbana , Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino make amazing shoes. And we can’t forget mainstays like Sergio Rossi and Jimmy Choo.
This was just a short list of our faves.
What are some of your favorite luxury shoe brands?
wow! i'm a shoe freak. i totally love shoes but i'm really tall and i'm also not financially strong. but i can admire right? lol. i love those shoes. nice one
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