Women have been known to have a continuous love affair with shoes. Besides jewellery, bags and clothes, there is something extraordinarily important about women's shoes. In many parts of the world shoes are a status symbol.
Shoe designs and patterns have been innovated from time to time to create newness. Cost and comfort are two important factors in choosing the right pair to match up with the attire and occasion.
Designer shoes have also come under spotlight since women of all age groups are becoming increasingly brand conscious. The magnetic attraction between women and shoes is undeniably irresistible.
Many in real life seem to be suffering from the Sarah Jessica Parker (of Sex and the City series) syndrome, screeching in faux-orgasmic delight about their must have Stilettos as if nothing else in the world quite mattered. It is thrilling to figure out what to wear for that dainty party or the new office just joined or the wedding invitation that's on the cards. Most women sweat out a lot on the selection of the right footwear. Here is what some Desi fashion conscious shoe lovers living in US had to say about their criteria of shoe selection:
I think footwear is one of the most important elements in one's outfit. I make sure to match my shoes to my clothing, season and fashion trends. Boots are good in winters, and in summer I prefer wearing sandals in light shades during the day and darker shades during the night. - Anandita
Adidas, Puma, Diesel are some of my favorite sports shoe brands. Most Italian designers are good for party wear. The look, comfort and style matter the most when choosing the right footwear for an occasion. - Seema
I am a critical shopper. Nothing impresses me fast. Comfort and style both count. I have over 100 pairs of shoes in my closet which include long boots, sleek sandals, gladiators, sexy stilettos, elegant platforms, heels of different colors and material for all sorts of occasions. Leather is most preferred in winters. - Geetika
I go for designer wear as it is most comfortable and stylish. The price is higher than an ordinarily available pair, but foot comfort is something that cannot be compromised on. --Neema
I like strappy sandals and long heels. They make me look classy and powerful. I judge people strongly by their shoes. It tells a lot about a person. – Kiran
When building your wardrobe, one of the most important aspects is the footwear collection. It not only makes you feel good about yourself, but is also a symbol of status in society. - Sheena
Bollwood Actress Manisha Koirala is known for saying "Shoes! Shoes! Shoes! I've always been a shoe person - I love clothes and bags and belts, but shoes, I'll die for. I love to buy shoes all the time!"
Talk of expense and film star Preity Zinta is known to spend 1200 Euros on a pair of shoes and in an interview said "I love shoes. Anywhere, any place any time you take me to a shoe store."
While some prefer comfort, others go for the look. Celebrity choices in the US include, designer Jimmy Choo, BCBG, Christian Louboutin, Gucci or a Dolce and Gabbana to name a few with a fancy price tag of $900 and more. In the words of Louboutin "My shoes are perfect for the very sexy woman who wants to be elegant." Undoubtedly he attracts clients from all over the world and is a trend setter. Who can forget the Kate Moss, Rachel Hunter modelling for Jimmy Choo's creation for raising funds for Elton John's Aids Foundation in 2007.
Allison Pearson in her book "I don't know how she does it" associates power and autonomy with shoes. Ferris and Benstock relate shoes to gender, class, race and ethnicity." Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney`s in New York is known for saying "high heals create a level of authority."
Eik Ottosen, an ex model and a footwear designer, believes "If you make a product that makes people smile,
you'll create positive energy." Indeed it is all about impressing the client. Anything that makes the buyer happy is bought. It could be the style, comfort, elegance or a Swarovski that makes the pair stand out and more appealing to the customer. On looking deeper into footwear designing by speaking to Mauela Filipovic, a renowned designer from Te casan in NY, some interesting facts were found:
Q. What do you think are more important aspects of a good shoe?
Structure, aesthetic and quality are the fundamentals that need to compliment and be in balance with each other in order to achieve the "wow"...
Q. What is the driving force behind your creativity?
It is the feeling of excitement and achievement when seeing the realized product. It gives me a fresh point of observation, which leads to new ideas. On a larger scale, an object or shape, never a character, are essential for the initial departure. I doodle a lot. There is a lot of adding and taking away during the design process and the design takes on more structure, becomes more complete. I need time to let everything sink in before creating the final design.
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As conscious as women are about the beauty of their feet by choosing the right pair, fascinatingly enough designers have done everything to pamper them even more. After all, good footwear makes a powerful style statement.
By Nikki Rattan
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