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THE SEXIEST SHOES OF 2011
Almost 8,000 consumers across the US voted on 23
designer shoes in the online contest back in 2010. That
year’s winning pair, by French footwear designer Christian
Louboutin, were dazzling Swarovski crystal-embellished
Maralena mesh pumps. With a towering crystal-encrusted
stiletto heel measuring 14cm, the design is a playful
interpretation of the high heel. Bold, strong and
empowering, the French designer’s shoe features luxurious
detailing and the trademark glossy red sole.
The winner of the 2011 award, announced in October,
was a simpler, more demure high heeled shoe by Italian
footwear designer Valentino. It perhaps indicates not only a
step towards more a sophisticated style, but also towards
more modest prices, as it retails at $695 compared to
Louboutin’s 2010 winner at $2,445. As the contest grew in
popularity in its second year, about 35,000 voted to decide
the 25 finalists. The winners were chosen by staff at FN
from among the finalists, which included shoes by Manolo
Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Gucci, Givenchy, Gucci,
Oscar de la Renta and Stuart Weitzman.
The winning leather and lace shoe by Valentino was
described by voters as “sophisticated and feminine,” with
the combination of leather and lace creating a striking yet
elegant aesthetic.
But crystals remain in favour with US consumers; Jimmy
Choo’s Swarovski crystal-encrusted sandals with double
ankle straps took second place in the contest. Prada came
in third with knee-high leather boots, while newer name
Chrissie Morris stepped into the spotlight in fourth position
with her suede, mesh and stingray peep-toe ankle boots.
So what combination of attributes make a shoe sexy?
London-based designer Manolo Blahnik told media in the
US that you have to have a hint of flesh. “You see hands all
the time. You see faces all the time. But the toes, that’s
something you don't always see,” he said. “A sexy shoe has
open straps of leather on the foot. The most important thing
is that you have to do it beautifully because if you show too
much toe, it can be kind of vulgar.”
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Christian Louboutin’s fiery
stilettos won the award in 2010.
IMAGE: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Jimmy Choo kept the crystals theme going in the 2011 contest
with these intricate Swarovski crystal-encrusted sandals.
IMAGE: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Stuart Weitzman’s shoes made it into the final 25 in the
2011 contest, but missed out on top place.
IMAGE: GDS / CONSTANZE TILLMANN