FEBRUARY: Passion Palette
This month the passion palette focuses on shoes and some of my favourite brands, from barefoot European, to luxury designers.
I always used to find shoe shopping the most challenging, because I needed a different shoe for every outfit. However I ended up with too many shoes and all of them ‘not quite right’.
Nowadays, I have a very minimal shoe closet, partly due to living in the tropics for 10+ years which means I barely require any seasonal variations and spend a large amount of time shoe-less, but also due to purposefully simplifying my choices.
This also came about through a lot of travel at one time and realizing that I could only pack a maximum of 3 pairs of shoes at any one time. It forced me to really reconsider footwear and how I worked them with multiple outfits.
And then I was introduced to barefoot shoe health through a friend, which further simplified my choices and gave me a different perspective on my feet.
Whilst I love to wear super simple barefoot shoes, I also like to enhance my selection with a few favourite designers.
Because I don’t buy many shoes these days, when I do, I tend to go all out. All shoes I recommend are good for a wide foot with bunions -because that’s what I have been blessed with.
Over the years I made peace with my feet and their shape. In general, the industry doesn’t cater to us, but there are still gems to be found.
1. Celine
Celine is a brand I am sure most are familiar with, but did you know when Celine Vipiana and her husband started the brand in 1945 it was originally a children’s custom shoe brand?
Its philosophy was to provide classic high-quality craftsmanship, in a variety of designs for children’s shoes. It didn’t produce women’s ready to wear until the 1960s and then after that, women’s footwear. The brand, for me, always has a perfect balance of functionality and design. This is very important for footwear more than anything else, it must be functional number 1.
There is nothing worse in my opinion, than seeing someone tottering around in a shoe they can barely walk in. It looks ridiculous and cheapens the outfit. The number of ‘celebrities’ that do that on the red carpet always surprises me.
My favourite sandal is the clea triomphe gladiator, which comes in a few different colours. Super comfy and stylish. It’s the kind of sandal that looks amazing for your everyday outfits or dressing it up a little too.
2. Gianvito Rossi
A longtime favourite shoe brand of mine. The son of the long-established shoemaker Sergio Rossi, who was himself also the son of a shoemaker. Gianvito’s vision was clear ‘to create shoes that embody the perfect balance of beauty and comfort.’
He goes on to say he designs shoes for women for ‘the red carpet of their everyday life’ I absolutely love this vision and the fact that he makes all his shoes in Italy, using local artisans and really investing in the craftmanship and community.
My current every day red carpet favourite, is his flat Amalfi slides, with woven tops, as I love to add texture to my outfits. I love a pair of chic slides on the days I want super convenience in a hot climate, as I am always taking my shoes on and off to enter a variety of spaces and I always drive barefoot.
3. Bottega Veneta
Another favourite of mine for leather goods, it was founded in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro who were inspired by small neighborhood shops, selling leather goods providing quality and craftmanship. The name itself translates to Venetian Shop and has always prided itself on understated luxury with no flashy logos. Its trademark design became the Intrecciato weave, inspired by the local basket making traditions in Italy.
My current favourites are their open back loafers with signature knot in hardware. Most loafers are too tight for my feet, but these open backs are super comfy, and you still get the loafer appearance and slightly tapered toe look with comfort and no squashed feet. I also like the open back, as it gives a casual vibe to a more formal shoe and can easily be worn with skirts and dresses. They are smarter, but still suitable to wear in a hot climate. Perfect for those us living in eternal tropical summer, but yearn for a more structured look.
4. Groundies Chelsea boot
Barefoot brand from Germany started in 2019. I don’t know anything else about the brand. They produce well-made shoes at a very, very, good price point. The designs are minimal and functional, as you would expect from German design.
My favourite boot is their Chelsea in black, simple, minimal and very functional. It’s well made with good soft leather. The price point for this level of craftmanship is excellent. It of course comes with wide toe box if needed and flexible barefoot sole. I love mine and have trudged about Europe in them in the springtime feeling comfortable and stylish. Plus being barefoot, they pack down very flat for travel – bonus.
5. Groundies Florence sandal
Quite literally the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. I love the design with the ankle strap. I have bought way more expensive versions of this type of sandal in the past and they have been uncomfortable around the ankle, baggy strap and/or slippery soles etc. They come in black and tan and last for ages.
A word on pricing, a contemporary brand would be half the price of the luxury items I selected above. Not all luxury brands have high quality and craftsmanship, you must check the item well and consider the brands, do they have a long tradition of working with leather craftspeople, and /or a long heritage of being shoemakers?
Do consider the care and attention you need to give to your shoes to ensure they last. Some brands will offer aftercare services either free or paid. The Italian shoemaker Berluti offers resoling and general maintenance often but not always, free for their shoes (depends on the country). But even if the brand doesn’t offer aftercare, you can find a good local cobbler. This prolongs the life of your shoe, giving you more value for money and the ultimate in helping to reduce wastage and reduce.