What a man’s gotta Choo

Think Jimmy Choos and you probably think sparkly super-high stiletto heels and Tamara Mellon – the brand’s former president and stylish ambassador – wearing them. Well, that’s not the whole story anymore. Tamara M may have left to start her own label, but a whole new clientele has discovered the charms of Choo: men.

A couple of weeks ago The Financial Times ran an article on the new demand for more adventurous (read “blinging”) male footwear, and the customers willing to pay designer prices. It pointed out that in recent years trainers have got men (well, some of them) accustomed to colourful, statement shoes, and in 2011 Prada’s platform trainers and brogues were a cult hit. Christain Louboutin opened dedicated menswear stores in New York and Los Angeles this summer, with Dover Street in London next up in the autumn. Jimmy Choo has opened a menswear store in the Burlinton Arcade, and in June Brit rapper Tinie Tempah wore Choo “Sloane” slippers to the inaugural event for London Collections: Men.

Image from Vogue.co.uk via 00o00.blogspot.in

Excellent choice, Mr. Tempah. Here are those same “Sloane” glitter-finish leather slippers taking a breather at a GQ India photoshoot recently. The gentleman who sported them for us looks resplendent (take my word for it – the issue’s not out yet.) The price: £395. The look: a million bucks.

Signs of Spring

Today we officially start Summer Time. For those of us living in Moscow, where the current temperature is -2°, this is more a matter of faith than anything else. But, happily, I was in New York last week and managed to get a hit of spring-like weather. Of course, this meant  midnight in the Meatpacking, where those New York dolls never let a Shoe Blogger down. Black satin Jimmy Choos with diamante straps and a blossom pink pedicure? Check!

As well as plenty of black heels, there were some great splashes of colour, like these blue suede Louboutin ankle boots (above) and the orange patent pumps below.

I really liked these classic black heels (above) with smart leather panel detailing – not at all showy, but tres chic.

It doesn't matter if your hells are spiky or chunky, as long as they're high and accessorised with an ankle strap. Ankle straps were everywhere, and in every style from satin sun-ray pattern and leather 'corset' sandals (above) to classic patent, both open and closed-toe (below).  

One of my favourite spots of the night: pointy-toed green alligator stilettos by Kate Spade, paired with skinny jeans – cool, classy, totally NYC.