Foot the Bling

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, not just around her neck but on her feet, too. That's because they provide just enough sparkle and flair to take your look to fabulous heights. Sexy, studded bejewelled heels are the perfect addition to any costume. From spiked loafers to Swarovski studded stilletoes, if you're a footwear-loving fashionista, you'd surely have at least one pair of embellished shoes in your wardrobe. At the recently concluded 2014 fashion weeks—Milan, Paris and New York, ornamental footwear was showcased as a prominent fixture for
the season.

BEJEWELLED SOLES
The champion of high heels, Jimmy Choo simply casts spells—sensuous, sexy and wild. The allure of Jimmy Choo footwear is the exclusivity and superior technical quality of designs that are sexy and aggressive. In their Spring-Summer 2014 collection, vivid colours reveal the vibrant sensuality of the Jimmy Choo woman. Kallai, a pair of blue-bottle mix-suede and hotfix crystal sandals, are perfect for glamorous evening events. The blue-bottle crystal-adorned leaf-shaped straps encase the foot elegantly—a key style for Spring-Summer 2014. Colada, a pair of flame suede sandals, features gemstones nestled alongside Swarovski crystals, to create a brooch-like effect. Jimmy Choo's Driver Embellished glittered canvas pumps are crafted from silver glittered-canvas and embellished with crystals at the toe.

Jewelled, gem-encrusted, contrast patterned, spiked—bejewelled footwear can glam up any simple outfit. Who would know that better than designer Sunaina Puri, who owns one too many pairs of Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, YSL and Charlotte Olympia shoes. "High heels are a must for me. More than the luxe factor, embellished shoes dress up any ordinary outfit," says Sunaina who believes that every brand has a unique design, which reflects in their collection.

STRUTTING SPARKLE
The rule is simple. If you are a footwear fanatic, a pair of Charlotte Olympia is a must-have. Seductive and provocative, their pre-Fall 2014 collection takes inspiration from Bettie Page, the 'Queen of Pinups'. Illicit winks welcome the Peep Shoe wedge, where neon embroidery lights the way. These breathtaking studded heels instantly add a dose of glamour to any plain ensemble. Asheesh Dubash, F & B Director, Dubash Freres & Co., Antohito Foods, loves to strut around her Louboutin, Kurt Geiger and Brian Atwood. "Embellished footwear can play up the look when worn on a simple outfit or even a pair of jeans. It's not everyday footwear; I wear it only for occassions," says Asheesh, whose favourite pair of embellished sandals is Kurt Geiger.

STYLES THAT ENTICE
"Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally," Christian Louboutin is known to have said. Integral to the Louboutin culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity. Their Fall-Winter 2013 collection was an alluring ensemble of bold autumnal colours, rich textures and a clever combination of whimsy and sophistication.

For the true Loubie collector, Artifice is one style that you must see to believe. With her vibrant colours and extraordinary embellishments, this stunning half d'orsay style entices and enchants. The Highness Sombrero is 160 peep toe shoe with a hidden platform. This black satin shoe is adorned with rich ruby velvet and golden thread. The fabric is hand embroidered in India, and then sent to their factory in Italy, where the shoe is created.

New-York based fashionista, Shubhi Anand, who owns a pair of Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Tory Burch, says "I love my shoes in the order of style, look and comfort. It feels sexy and gives me the red-carpet-I've-arrived aura. Pairing them with the right outfit shoots up the glam quotient." So go on and add a splash of sparkle to your feet!