Take a look at my Top 6:
1. Tom Ford
There’s a good reason Jay Z made a whole song dedicated to Tom Ford! Mr. Ford is one of the industry’s unsung geniuses. Literally everything he touches turns to gold!
His runway creations are gag worthy, his sunglasses on point, perfumes delicious, but his shoes might be his greatest selling point.
Tom Ford shoes offer singular details (gold padlocks, anyone?), and everything from twists on classic silhouettes to designs where only the bold need apply.
Fords are elusive and expensive (the least you’ll spend is $900).
Get your fill if you can swing it here:
After working with Nicholas Kirkwood, Sophia Webster launched her eponymous line of playful, colorful shoes.
She became known for a few signatures, including her candy ball heels, slingbacks equipped with quippy messages, neon colors, and fantastical lace ups.
Unlike most designers in this roundup, Webster has managed to keep her prices reasonable at around $400-$800 for heels. In a world of $1,000 shoes, her options are a welcome reprieve.
Shop a few of Webster’s haute heels here:
3. DSquared2
DSquared2 has experienced quite a resurgence in recent years, particularly in their shoe department! They’ve unleashed quite the collection of must haves, from plexi decorated stunners to studded caged thigh highs.
DSquared, like Tom Ford, has also jumped on the elusive train. The heels are hard to find, and are typically only available via their online store, DSquared2 Boutiques, and limited online stores like LuisaViaRoma.com, FarFetch, and the Corner.
Expensive? You betcha! Be ready to shell out at least $900 for a scintillating pair.
Purchase here:
Note: DSquared2 is having a shoe sale. Peruse here.
4. Aquazzura
Italian shoe brand Aquazzura has triumphed due to their signature lace up pumps and sandals.
Other styles showcase fringe, colorblocking, cut outs, and light catching mirrored details.
These will cost you a pretty penny as well, with most styles starting at $600, and the prices going up, up, and up.
Get the look here:
5. Gianvito Rossi
While many heels on this list skew over the top with colors, bells, and whistle, Gianvito Rossi triumphs by way of sheer simplicity.
He was destined to design shoes–his Dad, Sergio Rossi, showed him the ropes.
Though he’s best known for comfortable, effortlessly chic PVC pumps, he also whips out a few stunners, namely cut out ankle booties or head turning thigh highs.
While the word ‘reasonable’ and designer shoes never tend to go in the same sentence, Gianvito’s pumps ring it at under $1K, which is always cause for celebration.
Shop him up here:
6. Azzedine Alaia
No shoe post would be complete without a mention of the notoriously mysterious Azzedine Alaia.
The French designer is one of the most sought after yet under publicized brands around. Mr. Alaia doesn’t need to toot his own horn. The products speak for themselves.
His speciality includes sky scraping boots, embellished sandals, and lace up heels.
Alaia doesn’t do much e-commerce. Heck, when I lived in Paris, I stumbled upon his boutique by accident. He doesn’t even have a sign outside!
Catch archived styles at TheOutnet or TheRealReal.com. Snag current selections in stores at Saks, BergdorfGoodman, or below:
Now, this post was created as an update to this archived post, where I highlighted Giuseppe Zanotti, Pierre Hardy, Nicholas Kirkwood, Walter Steiger, Gianmarco Lorenzi, Ruthie Davis, Brian Atwood, Charlotte Olympia, Lanvin, Prada, Miu Miu, Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Saint Laurent, and Camilla Skovgaard.
That said, would you add any more to this list?
