SPOTLIGHT: 10 Designer Names You Should Know

There are many “architects” amongst the designers conceptualizing shoes that are museum-worthy. Designing shoes is much like designing a building structure – it has to have a good foundation so there is no wobbling, clever design and structure such that it strikes up a discussion, and sleek aesthetics so that it is pleasing to the eye. We have seen shoes grow high, multifaceted and quite complicated in the past seasons but those are not the only shoes worthy of purchasing, see Dax Gabler.

Here are 10 shoe designers whose names should be on your lips this season…

1. ALEXANDRE BIRMAN
Brazilian couturier and designer Alexandre Birman is from a long line of shoemakers. He launched his collection in 2008 and is now known for designs in exotic skins – python, crocodile, ostrich, lizard.  Footwear News named Birman the Vivian Infantino Emerging Talent Award in 2009 and has since collaborated with Prabal Gurung. Sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bergdof Goodman, and Net-a-porter.com.

2. BURAK UYAN
Burak Uyan is a German-born designer who has conceptualized for  Givenchy and currently designs for Giambattista Valli. The designer is based in Paris and after viewing his collection, it becomes clear why he is called “the architect”. Sold at Net-a-porter.com.

3. CHRISSIE MORRIS
Chrissie Morris launched her eponymous shoe collection in 2008. She describes it as British meets italian craftmanship. Her shoes has been described by industry insiders as “miniature sculptures”. Sold at Kirna Zabete.

4. CINZIA ARAIA
Cinzia Araia launched her epynomous collection in 2010 with cutting-edge style and a depth of vision that transforms shoes. Being the daughter of a shoe producer in the Riviera del Brenta surely enables Araia in her craft to deconstruct structures and then reassemble with a design both complex and clever. “I can afford the luxury … of not having to follow the rules, but rather of creating exceptions to them.” View select Cinzia Araia designs below for Araia’s exceptions to the rules. Sold at  Luisaviaroma.com.

5. DAX GABLER
Dax Gabler launched this past spring by Devi Kroell and is a complete departure from her eponymous brand with which she is no longer involved. Kroell creates a more affordable brand while not compromising on quality using different leathers,  including embossed, in her designs. Kroell is also proving that high design does not always have to do with tall heels.

6. DIEGO DOLCINI
Italian shoes established in 1994 by Diego Dolcini. Dolcini worked as Creative Director with Tom Ford on men’s and women’s shoes at Gucci. His collaborations have included sophistsicatedly established brands such as Casadei and Trussardi 1911. Dolcini shoes are both modern and classic. Sold at Neiman Marcus and Yoox.com.

7. GIANVITO ROSSI
Son of Sergio Rossi, Gianvito Rossi launched his collection in the spring of 2007 continuing a family tradition of elegant designs and quality creations. With several boutique openings and conceptualizing a collection for Altuzzaro, Gianvito Rossi’s modern designs are ones to watch.  Sold at Barneys, Yoox.com, Luisaviaroma.com.

8. GIO DIEV
Bulgarian-born designer Gio Metodiev, Public Relations guru turned designer, will launch his collection of provocative, silver heeled shoes this fall. Metodiev describes his collection as “classic styles interpreted in bold new ways”. He is based in New York while the collection is designed in Italy. The concept for his premiere collection? Female warrior – and we like-y.

9. RAPHAEL YOUNG
Born in Korea and adopted by a family in Lyon, France, Raphael Young interned under his uncle at Yves Saint Laurent as a young boy where he learned the art and craft of sculpting a shoe. His collection launched in Paris in 2007 and has been called “futuristic footwear”. The architect’s eye can be seen in his edgy fall 2011 collection. Sold at Seven in New York City, Blue & Cream in Easthampton, Net-a-porter.com and Endless.com.

10. REED KRAKOFF
American brand brought to us by the Creative Director at Coach. Reed Krakoff designs sleek and elegant shoes and handbags for the discerning eye. Check out Krakoff’s 10 Things Everyone Woman Should Have - simply charming. Reed Krakoff, 831 Madison Avenue.