MANILA, Philippines - Collaborations are in fashion these days –– musicians partner with retailers, artists partner with jewelers, watchmakers partner with automotive companies, creating hit products with their collective markets. The latest collaboration to hit retail is between three internationally-acclaimed fashion designers and Payless ShoeSource, known for carrying trendy footwear at affordable prices. They are also known for stocking them in several sizes, so size-9 folk like myself don’t feel so left out in the trend department. Its designer series for this season features the latest runway and red carpet styles for less, but still with the designer’s unique mark. The latest collection from Payless ShoeSource features the brand’s famed designer series, with Christian Siriano for Payless Gold, Lela Rose for Payless, and Silvia Tcherassi for Payless. These three designers infused the affordable footwear brand with the latest fall trends we here at the tropics can’t wait to include in our Ber-month wardrobe.
While leather is always in fashion when it comes to footwear, a less biker, more femme fatale incarnation of it has made its rounds at fashion week. Variations of red –– rouge, crimson, and oxblood –– have stained catwalks, alongside blues from royal to midnight. Animal prints remain resilient, with python and cheetah accessories playing supporting roles. We’ll skip the parkas, plush all-leather dresses, and the Björk-inspired feather skirts, though. A more sensible way of incorporating the latest fall trends in this climate is by giving in to shoe lust.
Payless ShoeSource has branches in Abreeza, Davao, Alabang Town Center, Ali Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, Festival Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta, Greenhills, Harbor Point Subic, Limketkai Mall, Lucky China Town, Market! Market!, Marquee Mall, Nuvali, Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Metro East, Rockwell, Shangri-La Mall, SM City Cebu, SM Dasmariñas, SM Davao, SM General Santos, SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM Masinag, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, and TriNoma. Payless ShoeSource Philippines is managed by Footwear Specialty Retailers, Inc., a division of Stores Specialists Inc.
Shoes with bite
Christian Siriano was inspired by the ‘30s movie The Vampire Bat for his Payless Gold collection, resulting in an edgy line with croc and snake prints, faux pony hair and black velvet in shapes reminiscent of veins and bones. Aurora is a pump gone wild, with a black faux pony skin cap toe, a gold stiletto heel and pink python print body –– a classic with a punky, high-fashion twist. His line also includes a black version called Gabriella, as well as wedge booties, animal print pumps, open toe stack-heel loafer pump, as well as velvet and metallic gold flats.
Spanich architect, sculptor and structural engineer Santiago Calatrava’s cable-stayed bridges inspired Lela Rose for her Payless collection. Created with a mix of fabrics and textures like wool, leather and wood, and in rich hues like mustard, Bordeaux and navy, the shoes showcase the designer’s knack for detail, using unique stitched and tufted heel treatments and copper nail heads to reflect Calatrava’s intricate work.
Street but sweet
Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi put together a collection that is inspired by the contemporary woman, taking a more subdued color palette and classic shapes. Platform heels in pale pink and midnight blue and two-toned ballet flats with satin ribbon details offer a balance of urban sensibilities and feminine style. Tcherassi will design two semi-annual collections including shoes and handbags for 2012.
Falling for neutrals
Far from blah, these neutrals form the new Payless Women’s collection. Black rider boots, tan booties in plush suede, brown leather wedges, animal-print wedge pumps (leopard is the new black!) and muted metallic flats are but a few of the go-with-everything pieces available at Payless this season.