Top 10 Women's Shoe Designers

‘I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty.’
Imelda Marcos

A good pair of shoes changes everything. They can transform an outfit from office worker to party princess. They can make you walk tall, feel proud (and even help to disguise those few extra pounds!). Here we take a look at some of the most delectable designs from the top 10 shoe designers. From courts, to sandals, wedges and platforms we've represented them all (we've even included a pair of flats!). Is there anyone that we’ve missed out?

1. Christian Louboutin

The ones with the red sole, Christian Louboutins are the most coveted shoe on the market today. Flashes of red send fashionistas hearts a flutter as they dream of owning a pair of trademark platform courts. These particular offerings are a classic court stiletto with a lush leather bow at the back for added glamour.

2. Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent is another classic shoe designer with a tell tale trademark. The sculpted, slightly curved heal seen on this classic YSL pump is a feature look for this designer.

3. Jimmy Choo

The Malyasian born designer, Jimmy Choo was propelled into the hearts of women when a certain Carrie Bradshaw made them the must have shoe of the late nineties. As she and the 'Sex And The City' girls teetered around New York in delicate Jimmy Choos, they soon became one of the first ‘it shoes’ to hit the market.

4. Charlotte Olympia 

Relatively new on the shoe scene, Charlotte Olympia launched her namesake brand in 2007. The London based designer takes inspiration from old school glamour, femininity and pays meticulous attention to detail.  Each shoe is hand crafted in Italy using beautiful, elegant materials. This shoe, called the Orient Express, exudes glamour from every angle.

5. Chloe

Chloe were the very first big fashion house to create a ready-to-wear collection. Prior to this, all of the luxury fashion houses in Paris had only made couture – made to measure – pieces. Chloe shoes have featured some iconic designs in the past few years. A major one being a gold metallic trim around block heel – a trend which was replicated by everyone from Kurt Geiger to Primark. 

6. Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik - named after Spanish founder Manuel "Manolo" Blahnik Rodríguez - is another brand famed by the SATC ladies. This shoe in particular had a staring role in the first SATC film when Big aptly proposes to Carrie with the ‘Something Blue’ shoe at the end of the film. 

7. Gina

 

Gina is another London based shoe brand. The company was founded by Mehmet Kurdash in 1954 and named after his favourite actress, Gina Lollobrigida. The company was created with an emphasis on elegance and glamour, something that still stands today.  When it comes to blingy, gem encrusted shoes Gina holds the monopoly. Unsurprisingly they tend to rank pretty high on the average bride-to-be’s wish lists.

8. Irregular Choice

Irregular Choice is the Brighton based shoe company that stomped onto the scene in 1999 creating their own rules when it came to shoe design. The very first shoe that designer Dan Sullivan created was inspired by the Japanese split toe look. The Japanese theme is something that the company regularly come back to in their designs.  Irregular Choice shoes are more than just footwear, they are a statement. 

9. Kurt Geiger

When the bank balance won’t quite stretch to a pair of designer heels, Kurt Geiger is always there to keep you on trend and in the black with a well made, fashionable, affordable heal. The brand started out with its first shop in Bond Street in 1963 and today has become a stable concession in luxury departments stores such as House Of Fraser, Fenwicks and Selfridges. 

10. Russell and Bromley 

And for those who prefer flats, we have Russell and Bromley. They were crowned the king of the brogues when they adorned the feet of tomboy Queen Alexa Chung. The newest range of androgynous footwear to be designed by the brand are these gorgeous, leather loafers. 

And a special mention for........Cheryl Cole

Finally, this brand new designer didn't quite make the top 10 as she’s only just unveiled her first range of footwear. However, we had to give a special mention to the gorgeous Cheryl Cole who has teamed up with Stylist Pick to create a range of affordable on trend shoes. Each pair has a cool name that perfectly describes the shoes unique attitude (the one pictured is called ‘Glam Slam Disco Ball’). Keep up the good work Ms. Cole!

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