Brand-new stomping

Any wardrobe – upon close inspection – reveals a certain number of imperfections. Shirts are hung on hangers instead of laid flat so as to avoid stretching. Accessories are stacked haphazardly over each other. But more often than not, the shoe closet is immaculately organized with expensive designer shoes lovingly wrapped in tissue and the rest sealed in individual cases with a Polaroid of the shoe decorating the front. (Admit it, you copied that from an episode of House of Style.)

Approach one woman – any woman – and ask her what she values most in life and, after she rattles off a list of family members and friends, she’ll get to the real truth: her shoes. It’s why designers like Manolo Blahnik and Christian Laboutin are worshipped to excess, why women will scrimp and save and nibble on rabbit food for weeks just so they can purchase a pretty pair of platforms. As numerous films (like Kinky Boots), TV shows (Sex and the City, obviously) and almost every female-dominated lunch meeting will prove, footwear is the stepping stone to a great outfit.

When HSBC debuted their latest promo (called "Love shoes?") for Red MasterCard, a credit card for women, they made footwear part of the program. Newly approved Red MasterCard primary applicants get a pair of shoes from Janylin worth up to P1,600 for free. After activation and a P500 purchase, simply present a receipt as proof of purchase and HSBC shoe voucher to redeem your free pair.

To celebrate the launch, HSBC invited seven women to put their personal stamp on a pair of Janylin shoes. The results ranged from simple and tasteful to charmingly eccentric.

Accessories designer Happy David channeled The Pirates of the Caribbean, albeit a more glamorous version with her brown suede boots. Labeled Veruca, Happy utilized crystals and pearls interspersed with a patchwork of dark textured leather in snakeskin and ostrich. "It’s refined but raw at the same time," she said. Photographer Sara Black opted for a more low-key version, which she called Maddox, dressing her black suede-heeled boots with minimal leather and metal trimming along the edge.

Shu Uemura chief makeup artist Xeng Zulueta looked to the colorful patterns and prints of a fiesta with her high-heeled sandals, dubbed Fruit Punch. A pair of green stilettos with a pink bow in front was embellished with textured balls in yellow, pink and green and edged with lilac tassels. Astrud Crisologo took her cue and decorated her flat brown-suede boots with textured sewn-on flower appliqués and attached a pair of bright striped socks for contrast.

Alessandra Panicucci went for a more muted style with a pair of low-heeled black peep-toe pumps embellished with blue beads. MTV’s Anne Matoto’s brown suede peep-toe stilettos were dotted with a button in the front. Shu Uemura brand manager Tessa Dragon decorated her gold pumps with brocade flowerettes.

Each of these working women-turned-shoe designers managed to combine contemporary trends with their own personal brand of style. No surprise there because all seven who participated are certified shoe fanatics.

"Because we grew up with stories like Cinderella or The Wizard of Oz, we believe that a pair of shoes can make a difference," said Happy David. "It changed Cinderella’s fate and took Dorothy places!"

And, in the case of all Red MasterCard holders, it’ll take them one step closer to filling up that dream shoe closet.

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Existing Red MasterCard holders can get a pair of Janylin shoes worth P1,600 for every approved primary Red MasterCard applicant referred. All Red MasterCard holders can enjoy a 20-percent discount at all Janylin stores when they use their MasterCard. Promo ends Oct. 31. For more information, call 878-7878 or visit www.hsbc.com.ph.

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E-mail me at oohbea@gmail.com for comments and suggestions.