Designer Shoes

The history behind designer shoes

Some of the world’s brightest fashion designers have been producing designer shoes for years, but the current trend of must have designer shoes is something that today’s shopping culture has created. In recent years, the turnaround for trends is happening quicker than the spring and autumn seasons. New fashion trends are always evolving and that couldn’t be truer than with designer shoes. The runway gives us new looks every season, but our style influences are much more diverse these days. Classic designers never fade, vintage is alternative chic, and celebrity muses are just a few of the influences that have managed to work their way into our fashion aesthetic.

Long before Carrie Bradshaw made Manolo Blahniks the shoe du jour, there was another famous shoe designer who historically became known as ‘Shoemaker to the stars’. Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the most recognisable names when it comes to designer shoes. Born in 1898 near Naples, Italy, Ferragamo was obsessed with footwear from an early age – designing his first pair of shoes aged nine. His passion for shoes grew, and as a young adult he moved to California with his two brothers, opening up a shoe repair shop. The shoe repair shop began to collaborate with Hollywood film studios, and it wasn’t long until Ferragamo’s status grew. Attention to style and excellent craftsmanship saw Ferragamo attracting an impressive list of followers; Greta Garbo, the Duchess of Windsor and Queen Maria Josè were just a few of his regular high profile clients.

As history tells it, when a trend is adopted by the glamorous elite, it’s not long before it becomes a worldwide phenomenon. Must have designer shoes have come in all shapes and forms over the years. Who can forget the mid Nineties when the Spice Girls tottered around in ridiculously high platforms? Or the early Noughties when Britney and Christina made Skechers the It shoe for teenage girls? Designer shoes know no boundaries – even today’s kids have Crocs.

But for the style conscious, our favourite designer shoe labels are known for their refined looks – not quick fads. Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada; we know you fashionistas out there crave trusted brands that won’t let you down. At Secret Sales we believe designer shoes are meant to last. After all, if it’s a must have shoe you don’t want to keep them sitting in their box for too long.
 

Designer Shoes – Classic Styles

They say a girl can never have too many shoes. Whoever came up with that saying – we applaud you and agree whole heartedly. If there was a pair of shoes that matched everything we don’t think anyone would even want them. Shopping for shoes is something we like, but shopping for designer shoes is something we love. Who hasn’t dreamt of owning a Mariah Carey Cribs style wardrobe full of shoes? Our desire for designer shoes can only be attributed to the labels who give us such a variety of styles to pick from.

Christian Louboutin’s signature shiny red soles are seen on every style of their shoes, from sky high pumps to trendy shoe boots – with a pair of Louboutin’s on your toes you’ll immediately be steps ahead of the fashion pack. Jimmy Choo, Sergio Rossi, Rupert Sanderson, Balmain and Stella McCartney – celebrities love them all for their red carpet ready shoes.

The latest chic designer shoes have all been about the heel, the higher the better. Pumps, stilettos, platforms and sandals with pencil thin heels are the epitome of sexiness through the illusion of giving you never ending goddess legs.

Shoe boots have been a recurring trend the past few seasons, but lately its motorcycle boots that stars like Miley Cyrus have been sporting. Bold beauties have taken to the thigh high boot trend that Halston and Brian Atwood have championed, although over the knee boots are a safer option for all. 

Practicality isn’t usually a factor we stylistas keep in mind when shoe shopping, but with the revival of designer wellingtons it’s all about comfort and durability. Marc Jacobs, Hunter and Burberry are our favourites for standout wellies. This versatile British classic works with skinny jeans, leggings, tights or even bare legs. Keeping with comfort, it’s a fact that girly girls love a good ballerina pump. Flats are a style that won’t be going anywhere, for the freakishly tall/bunion prone/scared of heights sort flat shoes are a fashion staple. You’ll find chic designer ballerinas almost everywhere, but Chloe, Miu Miu, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Lanvin are some of the best.

When it comes to shoe trends designer shoes are always going to outlast the competition. You might have a pair of raffia wedges or gladiator sandals that you just can’t pluck up the courage to wear right now, but rest assured when it’s come from a fabulous designer shoebox it’s always in vogue.