Strutting Ahead In Style

It makes you feel taller, you are embraced by a wave of confidence as you walk in. No matter how painful it may be to set one foot ahead of the other in a pair of skyscraper heels, it is the perfect companion for that special outfit, be it ethnic or western. Are you the kind to pick an outfit first and then look around for a pair of strappy heels to go with it? The latest collection of high-street fashion brands such as Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana and Sophia Webster might make you reverse that process.

If what you’re aiming for is a regal evening look, then the Cindrella stilettos are for you. Here’s your chance to live your fairytale moment in your own version of luxurious if not magical glass slippers. Taking inspiration from the fantasy folk tale and in time for the 2015 release of Disney’s film on the same, Jimmy Choo creative director Sandra Choi designed a pair of high heels embellished with 7,000 Swarovski crystals and 46 embroidered stones of varying sizes. While the sole and insole are interlaced with leather, a crystal cluster is hand embroidered to the toe of the upper half, giving an elegant finishing touch.

A latest addition to the British brand’s collection is a pair of black suede pumps called Rox. This one too comes encrusted with Swarovski crystals to add that extra sparkle to your look. A delicate buckle ankle strap for ease of fit and support is provided for ease. You might feel more like the princess in the fairytale as you strike a pose in these pumps, however, there’s no way you’re leaving one behind on the castle steps given how much they cost — Rs.2.4 lakh each. Along with Cindrella and Rox, Jimmy Choo has a variety of stilettos to offer in this range such as, Storm, Abel, Jazz, Lucy, Romy and Rosa. If all these are classic chic designs, Jazz stilettos quite unlike the name of the range, comes in bright floral designs. This pair comes along with tiny jewels embedded in it — detachable Swarovski jeweled buttons for both the front of the toe and outer side of the ankle. A pair of these can be all yours for just Rs.1.1 lakh.

For the semi-classical designs, the luxury Italian fashion house, Dolce & Gabbana’s collection is an ideal selection. The Slingback Satin Ricamo Heels, which come with a pointed toe and an adjustable slingback strap and buckle closure makes the shoe easy-to-wear. Priced at Rs.91,950, there is a good demand for the product in the country, says Nakul Bajaj, CEO, Darveys, an exclusive online store for luxury shopping. "Although these stilettos are bought for special occasions, we have seen a lot of clients picking them for regular work wear too,” he says. The luxury online shopping website witnesses 25% of the revenue coming in only from stilettoes in the women’s category.

If you are looking for a contemporary urban design, then you have to take a look at cult accessories designer, Sophia Webster. Her eponymous footwear label launched a refreshing range of sandals — Rosalind Yellow Feather, Nereida Sandal, Nectarine and Adeline Dreamy Crystal Sandal. The intricately designed Rosalind Yellow Feather stiletto is made up of satin and is embellished with multi-coloured feather vamp strap and the multi-coloured jewel details demands everybody’s attention. With the adjustable ankle strap and leather outsole, the stiletto comes at a price tag of Rs.79,000. The Nereida Sandal is a perfect amalgamation of quirk and boldness. Flashes of iridescent blue at the buckle, heel and vamp brighten the ankle strap sandal featuring colourful beads and the striking mix of colours along with embroidered details and prints. Made with calf leather, this pair costs Rs.76,000. The Adeline Dreamy Crystal Sandal by Sophia Webster enlivens the evening look with the open toe sandals that are embellished with crystals on crossover straps. The sandals are available in pink and blue options and the lace-up back detailing makes the perfect fit for any outfit. “Sophia Webster stilettos are high-on demand in our portal. The most popular designs include sandals with polka-dot patterns, butterfly-wing embellishments and floral patterns. The hand-drawn designs champion the spirit of women,” says Priya Sachdev, CEO, Rock N Shop online portal.   

So strap on those pair of pumps and strike a pose.