I’m not sure about you but
finding a sandal that I’m happy to look down at from December – March is
somewhat of a mission, and an often-fruitless one at that. Until recently, I’m
delighted to admit.
I trawl markets and boutiques, online
stores and shopping centers (as a last resort) and always manage to find
something I like – but nothing resembling footwear. Maybe I could somehow use
shoelaces to tie a Dinosaur Designs platter to each of my feet? It’s a better
idea than the generic alternative.
I suffer when it comes to
footwear and finding something unique. It’s a separate matter to clothing – the
way you wear a jumper is different to the next person, but everyone has feet.
And those feet look pretty similar. I’d be worried if they didn’t, but the fact
that all feet look the same merely reiterates my desire to make mine look
different, which in a roundabout way is what I’m trying to explain is hard.
Until about six and a half hours
ago when two things happened. The first instance was a delightful accident that
caused my fingers to stumble across one of the best, most innovative and clean
shoe designers that I’ve seen in a long, long while. The refreshing brand is
called Pour La Victoire. The label’s ethos is to create simplicity with an
individual edge, and it makes me incredibly sad to have only stumbled across
them recently, three years after their debut collection. The Macbeth sandal is
bliss. If only Jesus was still here, I’m sure he’d appreciate the quality
leather and craftsmanship.
Also deserving an honourable
mention is the Raquel sandal from Australian eco-friendly label Gorman. Its quirky
little seam at the heel is the best part of a very pretty shoe. Another is from
a relative newcomer, Sydney label Watson X Watson who have released the most exquisitely
classic but charming creations, particularly the Carlo sandal, or the Lucca if
you’re after a cheeky summer wedge.
 |
| Pour La Victoire Macbeth, Watson X Watson Carlo, Watson X Watson Lucca, Gorman Raquel |
I believe the illusive ‘perfect’
shoe ought to be a mixture of simplicity and functionality, with a dash of character.
The added extra is the reason we scour the stores. The X factor that jumps out
at you, that makes the shoe to yours, suiting you and to complimenting the
necessary other parts of your ensemble.
At the moment for me it’s
something edgy, a big gold buckle, some well-placed studs or laser cut suede.
Whatever your style, keep an eye out for that je ne sais quoi, tangible or otherwise.
G x
