Shoes that matter

Shoes to feet what clothes are to the body. They can make or break an outfit, and women’s designer shoes are all the rage. Custom-made designer shoes that match with the outfit you are wearing make a huge fashion statement. In today’s fashion world shoes have to be more versatile than ever. The designers of the fashion world have responded with shoes for every occasion. When a woman is wearing designer shoes, other women - and often men - sit up and take notice. With the following types of shoes, any type of outfit can be accommodated with just the right shoes, and women are freed from the stress of those what-to-wear moments. prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

High-heeled shoes:
Fashions in shoes come and go, but a peculiar one has stayed in style for many generations, and shows no sign of fading away. It’s the high-heeled shoe, which first became a fashion statement in 16th-century France, and has been a part of the modern woman’s wardrobe since the mid-19th century.

The Chopine or platform shoe was invented in Turkey in the early 15th century and was popular across Europe for the next 200 years. Chopines were just deemed to be stylish and attractive and were worn only by women and marked a turning point in women’s history of fashion. During the early 16th century, the high heel as we know it today came into being. During the European Renaissance, high-heeled shoes were a fashionable status symbol. From the middle of the 19th century, high heels grew in popularity and became a fashion accessory.

Perhaps influenced by the suffrage movements and concerns for women’s rights, shoe fashion at the turn of the 20th century generally became more sensible as a result of a demand for more comfortable footwear. However, from the 1950s, through the influence of emerging fashion designers such as Christian Dior, the fashion world came into its own and took off as an industry. More and more shoe designs began to appear in the shops and with Hollywood actresses and role models like Marilyn Monroe modelling high heels both on and off the film set, their popularity soared.

The high heel shoe now became an integral part of the wardrobe of most women regardless of their social status. The new feminist thinking believes that the heels give the wearer a sense of height, power and authority. Notwithstanding their high price, designer shoes are an asset to your wardrobe and they are here to stay.

Sandals:
Sandals are the defining piece that creates a style. Sandals are the shoes of summer. Nicely pedicured feet are just waiting to show off in those shoes that are nothing much more than padding and straps. Toes are painted a variety of colours which adorn the clothing and style choices. A nice pair of leather sandals is a good alternative to wearing the far more casual flip-flops. Sandals are shoes that consist of a sole strapped to the foot, or a low-cut shoe that fastens by an ankle strap.

A popular pairing for a summer outfit, sandals may be very basic or more elaborate with a studded finish. Choose a basic colour, fun colour, or even a shiny gold or silver metallic sandal to complete a care-free summertime look.

Basic pumps:
Women seeking that sleek and sexy look often turn to their basic pump, not to be confused with high heels, to complete their ensemble. A basic pump grips the foot primarily at the toe and heel. Pumps come in a wide variety of basic colours, vibrant colours, and with basic or more elaborate detailing. Basic pumps are an all-occasion shoe and can be worn with jeans or evening dresses.

Black pumps are among the most versatile shoes any woman can own. These shoes are appropriate for the workplace, for dinner out with friends, and for a night out on the town. The choice of flat black or patent finish is a matter of personal preference.

Flip flops:
Flip flops are back. This summer, flip flops are big news as a trend. The popularity of flip-flops is due to the endless possibilities for wear and adornment - including jewels, heels and embroidery. Just what is it that makes these simple shoes so special? It’s because they are extremely comfortable and very affordable. A little heel with your flip flops will give your leg a great look and give your outfit a dressier silhouette.

Ballet flats:
Ballet flats are shoes with no heel that are designed to look much like ballerina slippers. Ballet flats may be worn with everyday dresses and jeans for a Parisian flair. Ballet flats are available in satin, leather, velvet, suede, canvas, and other man-made materials.

Ballet shoes are available in a wide variety of colours for any style preference.

Also known as skimmer flats, these shoes are an easy solution to feeling polished when on the move.

With love from UK:
World renowned, Clarks opened its first ever store in Pakistan last month, bringing its range of beautifully versatile and expertly crafted footwear with effortless British style to the city of lights, Karachi at The Forum Shopping Mall, followed up with stores opening in Lahore and Islamabad. The store was inaugurated by the acting Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission Ms.Gillian Atkinson, followed by an opulent fashion presentation showcasing the latest in-store collection adorned by renowned models including Areeba Habib, Abbas Jafferi and Shahzad Noor.

C&J Clark International is a great British brand that has an impressive and unique heritage in shoe design that stretches back almost 200 years. The Company was born in Britain and still remains head quartered in the UK. It began in 1825, in a small cottage in the tiny English village of Street, Somerset. Till date, the brand has been manufacturing, designing and selling stylish, premium quality shoes fit for all fashion savvy individuals.

Their latest franchise in the heart of Pakistan endeavours to penetrate the markets and set impeccable shoe-trends.

Credits:
Compilation: Sadaf Jabeen
Hair & make up: Neelo’s Spa & Salon
Event management: Catwalk
Photography: Umair Rao