Paul Smith wardrobe, shoes from Solea
Emi studied Shoe Manufacturing and Design at the Footwear and Leathergoods Industry Center (affiliated with the Clothing and Footwear Institute of London) and has been crafting shoes for 15 years for her own brand, Solea. She gets her inspiration from new ways of thinking and living, anything new that fuels creative energy, like new people, travel, food and music. Her collection is influenced by certain moods of the ’40s, old world and romantic. She also has great affection for exotic skins and velvet fabric. She describes Solea as always feminine and incredibly sexy. High heels, being a strong part of her collection, elongate the legs and make them look flattering. She also loves playful mixing of hues and textures. Her clients are what she calls "Imeldifics," those with an enormous collection of shoes. Her forecasts include a strong revival of the wedge and platform shoes. These are influences of the "chopines," a towering elevated shoe worn in the 17th century. Glitter and Swarovski will also take center stage. Emi has a different vision for the shoe industry, she would like to get into another level of bespoke shoes wherein design will be made exclusive only to one customer. There is also a trend towards customization and individuality which is a reaction against the norm, which Solea is most known for, custom-made bridal and party shoes.
Must-haves (clockwise, from upper left)
Havaianas • Prada snakeskin mules • Solea sandals • Puma sneakers
Twinkle Samson
Dress from Kate Torralba, shoes from Twinky Tabs
Twinkle just graduated from Milan in 2002 with a footwear modelist-designer course at the Ars Arpel Group. She was born into a family of shoemakers, her being the fourth generation. She was not interested in shoes at first but was inspired with how passionate her father was with work and just admires how much he knows about shoe making. She started experimenting with beaded rubber slippers and sandals at a young age, and would work in the factory during the summer. She would put rugby on the insole of the shoes and would end up having sticky hands. Today, she designs custom-made bridal shoes for her friends and has put her own store, Twinky Tabs at Market! Market! in Fort Bonifacio. Her customers would be those who are looking for something to give that oomph in their wardrobe and wouldn’t want to look like anyone else. She likes accessorizing shoes and adding them a little drama. Her forecasts include embellishments that add emphasis to that all-too-sexy toe cleavage and also flats embellished with buckles, bows, flowers and pearls. Her ultimate dream is that she would see her own designs being worn by top models on the runway. With Twinkle’s passion and idealism, we shouldn’t be surprised if this girl makes it to the international scene.
Must-haves (clockwise, from upper left)
Nine West flats • Twinky Tabs open-toed sandals • Two-toned driving shoes • Old Navy flip-flops
Lulea Avecilla
Wardrobe: model’s own, shoes from Label
Lulea has been in the retail business for quite some time before she decided to start her own business, together with PMAP model Nicolette Bell. She and Nicolette would become frustrated when going shoe shopping and could not always find a pair that is both fun and elegant. That’s when they decided to start making their own shoes few months ago. Since then, orders for their sexy and comfortable shoes have been selling like crazy. Right now, interested customers can either order via phone or e-mail but they plan to open a store in Makati.
Must-haves (clockwise, from upper left)
Two-toned pointed flats from Label • Sandals with pearls from Label • Two-toned metallic flats from Label • Metallic peep-toe from Label
Tsin Pajaro
Dress from Kate Torralba, shoes from Francesco
Tsin grew up with the smell of European leather, shoe components strewn on the tables at home and insights into the latest shoe trends as part of their daily family discussions. There’s no surprise why she became a finalist in the First Philippine Footwear Design Competition. She looks forward to experimenting further by studying either in Milan and New York. In the meantime, she helps her family by designing part-time for Francesco to gain more experience and understanding of the local shoe industry. She describes the lady who wears Francesco shoes as the fashionable and sophisticated but not a blind slave to the fast and ever changing trends. She spends her money wisely on fashionable, durable and comfortable shoes that will highlight her lifestyle. Tsin is now busy creating a line of eye-catching, sophisticated and very comfortable shoes for just about every kind of woman – from a working girl, young mom, student to the fashionista. Her latest collection is a must-see for every shoe fanatic inspired by a mix of African, Bohemian and Gypsy cultures. These include raw-cut leather, animal prints and snake and crocodile skin, even feathers. Tsin has done a lot to update the style of Francesco and makes her family proud with the new designs she has made.
Must-haves (clockwise, from upper left)
Jewelled sandals from Francesco • Two-toned moccassins from Francesco • Navy blue pointed mules from Francesco • Red kitten heels from Francesco
(E-mail the author at karriebitanga@yahoo.com)