Salvatore Ferragamo

Originally uploaded by shoedish

Italian shoe designer, Salvatore Ferragamo, has been credited with inventing the first stiletto in the 1950s. The shoe was a croc-embossed pump designed for the late Marilyn Monroe and that coveted heel might be considered a kitten heel compared to todays high flying styles. Todays trends are sending heels up, up, and away and with the new styles showing up on the runways, the definition of the iconic high heel is being reinterpreted to include skyscraping stilettos. These gold, cone-heeled, numbers come straight off the Spring/Summer 2009 runway from Ferragamo and while the heel is painstakingly high, you have to consider the ball platform, which alleviates about an inch and a half of the stiletto height. These shoes are considerably less dangerous than some of the other architecturally unsound shoes we’ve been seeing because of the stabilizing straps at both the ankle, dolly quarter, and vamp. Who are we kidding, anyhow, we’d wear them weather they were safe or not.

Came straight to this page? Please visit The Shoe Dish for tons more.

Have questions or suggestions for shoedish? Please email shoedish@gmail.com.

CL fringe 1014

Originally uploaded by shoedish

We’ve been bombarding you with everything fringe this fall, from classic moccasins reinterpreted for 2008 to knee-high boots embellished with all the suede frills and tassels your shoe hearts can endure. No matter your feelings on moccasins, suede, and fringe, this style is here to stay. Minnetonka accidentally become a household name last year and now the luxury brands are copying this brands mocky walk on style. Isn’t it usually the other way around? Christian Louboutin is channeling Minnetonka Moccasins with this stiletto version of that classic mock, adding a touch of chic sophistication to a shoe that our ancestors wore. This completes that cyclical circle of life. What goes around, inevitably, comes back around again.

Came straight to this page? Please visit The Shoe Dish for tons more.

Have questions or suggestions for shoedish? Please email shoedish@gmail.com.

wacky wednesday: john galliano

Originally uploaded by shoedish

Architecturally sound or architecturally weird? You decide. We’ve been wondering through the fantasy of runway fashion, especially when it comes to shoes these day, when we stumbled across these funky, Alien 3, inspired patent platforms from John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection. Now shoedish is all about unique shoes; shoes with funk and character almost always make our ‘It’ list, but a unique style cannot neglect taste and function. While shoes don’t always have to be completely practical - the phrase “one hour heel” was coined for a reason - they do need to be somewhat functional. Shoes are an accessory, but unlike purses and jewelry, you actually have to use them for an important aspect of your physicality. We haven’t worn these shoes, so we don’t know how walkable they are, but the wacky factor is clear. Wacky bad or wacky good is no matter, it’s just that they are what they are.

Came straight to this page? Please visit The Shoe Dish for tons more.

Have questions or suggestions for shoedish? Please email shoedish@gmail.com.

It’s a premature TGIF gift coming to you on a Wednesday. Don’t you love it when sale mail comes early? We’re starting your update with all the grey matter over at Hollywould. Now here, my shoe friends, is the silver lining. Save 20% off your shoe purchase when you buy anything in a grey tone. That means 20% off silver ballerina flats, charcoal kitten heels, and even anthracite metallic wedges. Hollywould shoes makes us endlessly happy and sales make it even better. In your Hollywould excitement don’t forget to check out these other hot deals. Another 20% offer is coming to your from Steve Madden’s private sale. Enter the code “privatesale20” at checkout to receive your discount. Save up to 33% off select shoe styles at Nordstroms from designers like Michael Kors and Charles David. It’s a shoe jungle out there sole sisters, so be sure to shop with care.

Came straight to this page? Please visit The Shoe Dish for tons more.

Have questions or suggestions for shoedish? Please email shoedish@gmail.com.

Burberry bridle

Originally uploaded by shoedish

trading conditions in the all-important third quarter to remain volatile and uncertain.

In the face of economic strife, some companies are still making big strides in business, and Burberry is one among them. Revenues at Burberry have soared 20% powered by growth in Spain, sales of outerwear, and accessories. Hoorah for accessories! Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry, however isn’t getting too ahead of herself, saying that she expects “trading conditions in the all-important third quarter to remain volatile and uncertain.” Okay, we can’t condemn them for being careful, but we will say that these checked canvas, leather, peeked-toe, knee high boots from the fall line will only help increase sales power. Complete with a leather bridle inspired wraparound strap at the ankle detailing on ankle and brass buckle embellishments, these knee-high boots are giving all other boots a serious run for their money.

Came straight to this page? Please visit The Shoe Dish for tons more.

Have questions or suggestions for shoedish? Please email shoedish@gmail.com.

Christian Louboutin 5 1:4

Originally uploaded by shoedish

Heels have been getting higher and higher these days. An old definition for “the stiletto” used to be 3 inches, but with new architecture and platforms, stilettos are pushing the 5-inch mark with Christian Louboutin introducing stilettos this year that are reaching 7 inches. Stilettos have become such a newsworthy item these days that even the Wall Street Journal is headlining them. After a few models fell on the runways during the spring summer 2009 fashion shows, stilettos are getting blamed for everything from herniated disks to broken ankles, among other foot and upper back problems. So, why do we wear them? Believe it or not, stilettos and platforms go way back in our history. In the 15th century, 11-inch block platforms served as a status symbol for courtesans in Europe. Shoes that were so high, in fact, that women required an aide to walk in them. The bottom line is that women will do anything for fashion and stilettos - no matter how high - that make them feel sexy. Check out todays Wall Street Journal article on heels, “Women Fall Head Over Heels for Shoe Makers’ Arch Designs”.

Came straight to this page? Please visit The Shoe Dish for tons more.

Have questions or suggestions for shoedish? Please email shoedish@gmail.com.