Heaven Has Heels Spring 2014 Issue

HEAVEN HAS HEELS THE SPRING ISSUE

ISSUE 10 spring 2014

HEAVENHASHE HEAVEN HAS HEELS holiday 2013 HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

EELS.com

CONTENTS STYLE From pink to primp, check out our favorite style picks to keep you looking glam on the go.

SPRING CLEAN Expert tips for the cull-ophobic.

ENCHANTED Take a stroll through our Heaven Has Heels enchanted garden. If only shoes grew on trees...

SPRING BREAK We ask some of our favorite fashionistas what item they are most looking forward to breaking out this spring.

INSPIRED DESIGN You’ll fall in love with footwear’s next big thing Amina Muaddi of luxe label, Oscar Tiye.

HEAVENLY HEELS Welcome to the fanciful world of FINSK. You won’t want to leave.

MADE IN BRAZIL Our Editor-In-Chief, Angela Gilltrap, heads to São Paulo to discover what “Made in Brazil” really means.

SPRING IS IN Sensational spring trends you won’t want to miss.

WELL HEELED HOT SEAT

We put the effortlessly chic Wendy Nguyen of Wendy’s Lookbook in our Well Heeled Hot Seat.

SHOP Sit back, relax and let your fingers do the walking with these heavenly heels.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Angela Gilltrap CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amanda Smythe PHOTO DIRECTOR James Collins COPY EDITOR Sarah Wilkes STYLE EDITOR Nigel Isaiah WEB DESIGNER Kris Black CONTRIBUTORS Susy Dang, Lazarus Douvos, Alena Krupetskova, Marina Krupetskova, Chrisma Lan, Fabiola Ledesma, Carole Le Pestipont, Monifa Mortis, Kai Nedden, Takayuki Nukui, Benjamin Orion, Nicole Ross, Jason Setiawan, Tuan Taiko, Ami Vega

Heaven Has Heels magazine is published by Lot 17 Media, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. 212 378 6711. The entire contents of Heaven Has Heels are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Heaven Has Heels accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. Heaven Has Heels reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature same on HeavenHasHeels.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes.

ON THE COVER: Photographer: JASON SETIAWAN Stylist: FABIOLA LEDESMA Hair: LAZARUS DOUVOS Makeup: MONIFA MORTIS Nails: AMI VEGA Art Director: ANGELA GILLTRAP Photographer’s Assistant: KAI NEDDEN Stylist’s Assistant: SUSY DANG Model: BARBORA for MUSE MANAGEMENT

GET YOUR ISSUE OF HEAVEN HAS HEELS. SUBSCRIBE NOW AT HEAVENHASHEELS.COM HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

RUNWAY collect

relive the runway...

EDITOR’S NOTE

I

t’s been a harsh winter here in New York City. Slushy sidewalks, icy snow, arctic winds... Not good weather for heavenly heels! Thankfully, it’s time to put away those snow boots and bust out an array of drool-worthy designs with magical pops of color that are sure to brighten even your darkest day.

As spring starts to bloom, what better time to introduce our new Style Editor, Nigel Isaiah, someone who I’ve watched blossom from a fashion lover to a front row regular. His sensational spring picks are sure to lure you out of hibernation and have you warmed up for the season ahead.

Also in this issue, we talk to footwear’s next big thing Amina Muaddi of Oscar Tiye; introduce you to the wonderful world of FINSK and give you a glimpse into the Brazilian footwear industry. We hope you enjoy reading our Spring-sational issue as much as we enjoyed creating it.

May your heels be as high as your standards,

Angela Gilltrap

Editor-In-Chief

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

eva soto conde

Celebrate the Single Life ESSIE nail polish in Bachelorette Bash.

Available at Zappos.com

Style Chase SARAH MAGID Cone necklace.

Available at Shopbop.com

style

Ring it In SAMANTHA WILLS Bohemian Bardot ring.

Available at Shopbop.com

PRETTY IN PINK Step Out in Style MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION Casey Cutout sandals. Available at Shopbop.com

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

Slither Into Spring ALICE + OLIVIA Olivia Sundown Snake bag. Available at AliceandOlivia.com

Planting the Seed FRIEDA & NELLIE Garden Bliss Mismatched earrings.

Available at Shopbop.com

style

Carry On THALE BLANC Talia Fastueux clutch.

Available at ThaleBlanc.com

BLOSSOM Your Time to Shine GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Black and silver bow pumps.

Available at Couture.Zappos.com

Simple Chic SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Tina pumps. Available at Couture.Zappos.com

THEIA COUTURE

Walk the Runway ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Black opentoed pumps. Available at Couture.Zappos.com

SPRINGclean

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE CULL-OPHOBIC For some, the idea of spring cleaning your shoe closet is about as appealing as a trip to the dentist however, keeping your heavenly heels organized, clutter-free and in good shape will not only increase their shelf life but make you a happier (and better dressed) human being. In order to make the process a little smoother, we asked the experts for tips on how to maximize space, avoid culling pitfalls and make way for new shoes.

For Professional Organizer Barbara Reich of Resourceful Consultants, eliminating clutter is a way of life. With a BA in Psychology and an MBA in Management, she began her career as a management consultant before becoming the clutter eliminator. — ResourcefulConsultants.com

THROW OR TOSS? You would throw or toss if: 1. It’s broken and can’t be fixed.

2. It’s so uncomfortable that you never wear it—even when it’s the “perfect shoe.” In this case, consign the shoe or give it away.

3. You haven’t worn it in the last year.

4. You loved it but it’s terribly dated and not likely to make a come back.

THE KEY TO A CLUTTER FREE SHOE WARDROBE? 1. Once you’ve filled up all of your available

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

space to store shoes, you can’t buy a new pair without giving away a pair—one in, one out rule.

2. Don’t buy a shoe that’s a duplicate of one you have and like.

For example, don’t buy another black pointy toe pump just because it’s on sale if you already own a black pointy toe pump of the same heel height.

“Don’t buy a shoe that’s a duplicate of one you have and like.”

IS THERE A REWARD? You should always reward yourself with a postcloset clean reward, particularly if you’ve opened up space that could be filled with new shoes!

Lisa Zaslow is the founder of Gotham Organizers.

She holds a Master’s in Organizational Psychology and has over ten years experience as an organization and productivity expert. So yes, when it comes to spring cleaning your shoe closet she knows better than most the areas in which we could use a little help. — GothamOrganizers.com

IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE TO BEING ORGANIZED? Out of sight really is out of mind. When I work with a client to organize her shoe closet, inevitably we’ll find a pair of beauties on a high shelf, in an unlabeled box, or hidden in a corner and the client will exclaim, “I forgot I had those!”

When your shoe closet is disorganized, it’s impossible to know what you have, so when you’re out shopping you’re more likely to buy things remarkably similar to what you already own—hello four pairs of almost-identical black stilettos.

Organize your collection so that it’s as fun to “shop” in your own closet as at your favorite boutique. Arrange your shoes so that it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. This could be by function (work, dressy, casual); type (boot, heel, flat); designer; color—whatever combination works for you.

Display your shoes neatly on shelves so you can see everything at a glance. Space at a premium?

Store shoes with one heel and one toe facing out to save precious inches, or put one shoe behind its mate on a deep shelf.

OUR BIGGEST SPRING CLEANING MISTAKE? Not doing it! Your love of shoes may know no bounds, but your closet space, alas, is finite. It’s

always more fun to buy new than to edit out the old, but if your closet is over-stuffed, it makes it harder to find and organize the pairs you really love. Clear out the shoes and boots you rarely— or never—wear.

Think of yourself as a gardener, pruning the dead wood so that new branches can grow and flower.

“Think of yourself as a gardener, pruning the dead wood so that new branches can grow and flower.”

Too often my clients hold onto shopping mistakes, especially if they were expensive. These are actually the best shoes to let go of—expensive shoes are the easiest to sell!

Online consignment sites like TheRealReal.com make it simple to turn your closet clutter into cash.

If there are a few pairs that you can’t bear to part with because of their sheer gorgeousness or for sentimental reasons, take photos of them or install a high shelf about a foot from the ceiling and display them.

SEASONAL TRICKS? To keep up with changing styles, your shoe closet has to change too. Do a seasonal swap to keep the shoes you wear most often visible and accessible. As spring comes, move winter wear to higher, less convenient shelves and put bright, light styles where they are easy to see and grab.

Adjustable shelves make it easy to maximize your space, accommodating thigh-high boots in the winter and slinky sandals in spring and summer.

ENCHANTED Spring had sprung and what better way to celebrate than with a stroll through our Heaven Has Heels enchanted garden. Oh, to be able to harvest a crop of Louboutins!

From left to right: DSQUARED slingbacks; MRS. PRESIDENT & CO. Dreamy Leaf barette; KATE SPADE NEW YORK Giverny Floral Idiom bangle; VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Plastic orb moccasin; KATE SPADE NEW YORK Ferris Wheel necklace; IPANEMA Neo mix thong sandals; KING BABY STUDIO Wing ring; JASON WU Snake print strappy sandals; SERGIO ROSSI Godiva Blunt heels; OSCAR DE LA RENTA Multi leaf bib

Orange you Glad you Came VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Plastic orb moccasin

necklace; MARC JACOBS polked dot pumps.

Lift Your Face to the Sun DSQUARED slingback

He Loves me, He Loves me Not MRS. PRESIDENT & CO. Dreamy Leaf barette

Be a Petal KATE SPADE NEW YORK Ferris Wheel necklace

Rock it KATE SPADE NEW YORK Giverny Floral Idiom bangle

Don’t be Afraid to Bloom IPANEMA Neo mix thong sandals Beehave Yourself .JASON WU Snake print strappy sandals

Spin Around These SERGIO ROSSI Godiva Blunt heels

Be Spotted this Spring MARC JACOBS polked dot pumps

Take Flight KING BABY STUDIO Wing ring

Take a Leaf out of this Book OSCAR DE LA RENTA Multi leaf bib necklace

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

SPRING BREAK HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

CHANGEo

f

LARA EURODOLIAN

PRETTYCONNECTED.COM “It’s been such a long winter, I will be happy to break out anything strappy.”

SEASON

We asked some of our favorite fashionistas what one fashion item they were looking forward to breaking out this spring...

LAUREN DIMET WATERS SECONDCITYSTYLE.COM

MCARTHUR JOSEPH DAILYMISTER.COM

“I bought this green vintage LL.Bean rain jacket a while back and I’ve been waiting for the cold to subside so I can finally wear it. I’ve never looked forward to April showers, but now I look forward to busting out the parka this spring.”

LORNA SOLANO

THEFABULOUSREPORT.COM “My pink leather motorcycle jacket.”

“How am I supposed to pick just one? Looking at all the snow still on the ground it was hard to get myself focused on spring. Yet now the flood gates have opened I can’t stop! I’m loving Nicole Miller’s Turks Wedges—open toes make me think spring... and pedicures. I also can’t stop thinking about a midi length floral skirt. Ever since I saw a $7,000 silk beauty at Century 21 this past New York Fashion Week, I can’t get it out of my mind. ”

BENJAMIN LIONG SETIAWAN

HUNGRYEDITOR.COM

“Hamilton 1883 linen plaid shirt in navy. In the warmer months, linen is the perfect choice. I can wear this with a knit tie and a lightweight suit or dress it down with a pair of white jeans and classic Jack Purcells.”

INSPIRED

design

OSCAR TIYE

W

hen it comes to heavenly heels it would be hard to bypass Oscar Tiye—the brainchild of Creative Director Amina Muaddi. Featuring fanciful details such as Angel wings and intricate laser cut-outs, her creations have been catching the eyes of shoe lovers the world over.

Originally seeking a career in fashion, Muaddi turned to footwear design having always harbored a passion for shoes. “I studied at the European Institute of Design and after a few years of working as a fashion editor and stylist, I realized it wasn’t fulfilling me and so I decided to follow my dreams and embark on this adventure,” explains Muaddi.

She came across a photograph of a scarabshaped piece of jewelry that belonged to Queen Tiye of Ancient Egypt, this, coupled with “Oscar,” —a family name—came to personify Muaddi’s design inspiration. “I’ve been passionate about shoes since I was a little girl,” she says. “I would walk around the house in my mother’s heels and once I even tried to sneak out in them, but I got busted!”

Finding inspiration in anything from furniture to food, it’s the identity of the brand that drives Muaddi. “I am half Jordanian and half Romanian.

I grew up in Italy and lived in the (United) States.

The Oscar Tiye collection is a part of me, a

journey of self discovery through which I was able to return to my Middle Eastern roots. They are responsible for most of the details present in my collections.”

The logo itself is a scarab—a sacred symbol and good luck charm in the Arab world. “It is present on every shoe,” explains Muaddi. “A small piece of jewelry that hugs every Oscar Tiye sole.”

Effortlessly combining form and function, Muaddi is not under any illusions when it comes to designing footwear. “We make shoes, not just beautiful sculptures, so we have to think about all the details and aspects that make them look and feel amazing. I think most of the people don’t know that a shoe is made out of around forty to fifty components that need to be assembled with great precision to create the final result,” says Muaddi. “So much work and love goes into making a beautiful pair of shoes and the whole process is extremely fascinating.”

With shoe lovers in the palm of her hand the only question is, what’s next for the brand? “I am a woman and I know that a pair of new shoes is more than just that to us,” she explains.

“Shoes have an empowering effect so I hope that Oscar Tiye will make many amazing women around the world feel as confident, chic, fierce, sassy, strong and feminine as they truly are.” — ANGELA GILLTRAP

OSCARTIYE.COM

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

SPRING calling Photographed by JASON SETIAWAN Styled by FABIOLA LEDESMA

EMERSON BY JACKIE FRASERSWAN dress; NOON

BY NOOR coat; LEAH C. head piece; KATE SPADE NEW YORK earrings; BETSEY JOHNSON bracelet; OSCAR TIYE shoes.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

NOON BY NOOR dress; RUTHIE DAVIS shoes.

MISSGUIDED top and shorts; LEAH C. head piece; BETSEY JOHNSON earrings, necklace, bag and shoes.

MISSGUIDED skirt; BETSEY JOHNSON necklace, watch and tights; ALEXIS BITTAR bracelet; OSCAR TIYE shoes.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

NOON BY NOOR dress; LEAH C. head piece; BETSEY JOHNSON bracelet and necklace; MISSGUIDED bag; CHIARA FERRAGNI shoes.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

MISSGUIDED dress; LEAH C. beret; BETSEY JOHNSON necklace, bracelet and tights; OSCAR TIYE shoes.

MISSGUIDED jacket and swimsuit; KARA ROSS earrings; BETSEY JOHNSON bracelet; OSCAR TIYE shoes.

NOON BY NOOR dress; LEAH C. head piece; KATE SPADE NEW YORK necklace; ABC earrings; BETSEY JOHNSON tights.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

EMERSON BY JACKIE FRASERSWAN dress; Stylist’s own scarf; MISSGUIDED glasses; BETSEY JOHNSON bag.

Hair: LAZARUS DOUVOS Makeup: MONIFA MORTIS Nails: AMI VEGA Art Director: ANGELA GILLTRAP Photographer’s Assistant: KAI NEDDEN Stylist’s Assistant: SUSY DANG Model: BARBORA for MUSE MANAGEMENT

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

SPACE oddity Photographed by CHRISMA LAN Styled by BENJAMIN ORION

ESCADA dress; ROBERT CLERGERIE shoes.

FATIMA LOPES dress; LEONARD PARIS shoes.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

FATIMA LOPES corset; BARBARA BUI skirt; ESCADA coat; 14 C JWLS bracelet; ROBERT CLERGERIE shoes.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

STELLA MCCARTNEY jacket; AM SŒUR dress; PPFL bracelet.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

LEONARD PARIS dress; AUGUSTIN TEBOUL shoes.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

ANDREW GN robe; ANDREW GN bracelet; AUGUSTIN TEBOUL shoes.

VALENTINO vest; SONIA RYKIEL skirt; DIANE VON FURSTENBERG bag; ROBERT CLERGERIE shoes.

Hair: TAKAYUKI NUKUI Makeup: CAROLE LE PESTIPONT for AIRPORT AGENCY Art Director: TUAN TAIKO Digital Operator: SEMMY Photographer’s Assistant: FLORIAN, THIERRY, CHRISTIAN Model: ELIANNE SMIT for KARIN MODELS Thanks to Le Centre Pompidou «Georges» Gilbert et Thierry Costes, François-Xavier Hueg; Agence Karin Models, Béatrice; Matphot Paris, André.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

on hold

TIGHT

Photographed by ALENA KRUPETSKOVA

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

ALESSANDRO MANZONI bag.

PRINCIPLES dress.

JCPENNEY dress; MOSCHINO bag.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

BARBARA BARBARA romper.

JACK BRYAN dress.

Vintage dress; ARMANI bag.

Hair & Makeup: MARINA KRUPETSKOVA

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

Model: VICTORIA ROMASHOVA for iMODEL

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

HEAVENLYheels We catch up with Julia Lundsten, the creative mind behind London-based footwear label FINSK. What attracted you to footwear design? I did my BA in womenswear and was always more interested in the structural side of pattern cutting— as well as materials and their own individual characteristics—as opposed to draping and the body. I became more drawn to shoes as they are shapes and objects that stay more or less the same even if the wearer doesn’t have a perfect figure. Worn in the right way, they can be one of the most powerful elements of a woman’s outfit, and because of this, I decided to change from clothing to footwear for my MA. So the transition from fashion womenswear to shoes kind of happened naturally, but I instantly knew footwear was my thing when I got into it.

How do you think your geography has helped to shape your design aesthetic? I grew up in Finland where winters are super cold and you basically can’t survive without practical footwear. This element has stayed with me, so even our most experimental Project shoes are made on lasts and constructions that are somehow wearable. And I love designing super practical everyday shoes/ boots for Skin by FINSK, styles that my friends would wear running around London.

When you set about creating your line of shoes, was price point ever an issue? Our shoes are fully handmade and our workers are paid very decent salaries, we also use high quality leathers so the ‘making’ costs are high. I didn’t want to make any

compromises on design when it came to FINSK, so we launched Skin by FINSK which is slightly cheaper and with slightly less detail. This way we can still use high quality leathers but just keep the designs and detail simplified in order to be able to keep the price points more accessible.

Do you ever feel constricted by the design elements of a shoe vs. fashion? There is no other garment in fashion that has to work so hard, many designers feel they often have to compromise their design for wear-ability. It’s one of the challenges, but it’s also very rewarding when you work on a complicated design and finally solve it technically without compromising on aesthetic.

How do you find inspiration? I draw a lot of inspiration from everyday life in London, but also from traveling and seeing different cultures and people. Large empty spaces like the Great Court at the British museum as well as open landscapes, especially the countryside in Finland near the sea. I also watch a lot of animations, in particular Japanese ones where I love the attention to detail. Architecture and furniture design has always interested me too.

How do you think FINSK differs from other brands? I think FINSK differs from other brands as it is not only about the shoes themselves but also how they make the wearer look and feel.

The care and attention that goes into the making of each handmade shoe is reflected in the final product, and each pair ends up being unique to it’s owner.

FINSK.COM

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

made in

BRAZIL

Our Editor-In-Chief heads to São Paulo to discover what “Made in Brazil” really means.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

In all my travels, visiting São Paulo was the first time I’d ventured to South America.

Conflicting schedules, lack of time and opportunity all conspired against me until now. As I boarded the plane to Couromoda —Brazil’s largest footwear trade show—I quickly realized my non-existent Portuguese may be an issue. Thankfully, we all talk shoes and when in Brazil, there is plenty to talk about.

In 2013, the Brazilian footwear industry exported over 122.9 million pairs of shoes generating around US$1.095 billion dollars.

The United States remains one of the major export markets, closely followed by Argentina and France. So why do we lust for a slice of Brazil?

More and more the ethical implications of where a product is made is at the front of a consumer’s mind. Will it stop them from purchasing? Rarely. However, given the choice we’d all rather make a more ethically sound choice and retailers are aware of this. Online sites predominantly print the geography of manufacture as a badge of honor or a justification of price point. Quality has become synonymous with geography and for many, the characteristics of “Made in Brazil,” include quality craftsmanship and afford-ability in the ready-to-wear designer market.

Well known brands such as Diane Von Furstenberg, 10 Crosby Derek Lam and Alice + Olivia have footwear manufactured in Brazil. This collaboration with brands

already known for their quality, design and craftsmanship help build the “Made in Brazil” image while brands such as Schutz and Melissa fly the national footwear flag bringing their own flare and international expertise to the U.S. market, but really, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Take a stroll through Couromoda and you’ll soon discover the extent of the Brazilian footwear industry. Over 2000 brands exhibit their wares attracting around 75,000 footwear professionals. It’s a shoe city where manufacturing combined with innovation continue to see this market flourish.

For the Brazilians, footwear manufacturing is a centuries old tradition, handed down from generation to generation. It has an artisan feel yet remains an economically viable option for many international brands.

Many businesses balance private label with their own footwear designs to produce multi-layered revenue streams that cover both the local and international market.

Owning and operating their own factories they are able to turn around product with ease; exporting internationally they are able to keep a close eye on trends in design and consumer behavior. It’s a market that has the population to sustain its own designs while provide the workforce to remain competitive. It’s a country with the spirit of Carnaval and the expertise of a multicultural society. This is “Made in Brazil” and it’s got us dancing in the streets. — ANGELA GILLTRAP

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

designer

TALK JORGE BISCHOFF Jorge Bischoff is recognized as one of the most prolific and creative footwear designers in Brazil. Born in a region that boats a centuries-old tradition in footwear manufacturing, the Jorge Bischoff brand caters to both men and women with over 52 stand alone stores and distribution in over 45 countries.

What music is playing in your office right now? We Are Young (Fun).

Describe your brand in three words: Luxury, glamour, sophistication.

What is the best thing about being a Brazilian brand?

The cultural diversity in Brazil leaves room for immense creativity. I feel privileged to be able to draw on this inspiration from the natural elegance of the Brazilian woman and take this charm to women all over the world.

How would describe the Brazilian look? The Brazilian woman is naturally elegant and charming. Cultural diversity in Brazil adds a special magic to the feminine universe. Known for their beauty, Brazilian women exude energy and charm and all this feeds my inspiration as a designer.

MELISSA The Queen of collaborations, Melissa has long been known for its innovative use of materials and collaborations with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Jason Wu and Vivienne Westwood. Its flagship stores are destinations for lovers of design; their shoes, fun, innovative and distinctively Melissa.

What music is playing in your office right now? We love to design listening to Farofa Carioca, Bebel Gilberto and Seu Jorge.

Describe your brand in three words: Feminine, tropical-chic, unique.

What is the best thing about being a Brazilian brand? The casual and sophisticated laid back Brazilian lifestyle.

How would you describe the Brazilian look? Fun and colorful, casual and feminine.

AMAZONAS

Founded in São Paulo in 1947, The Amazonas Group has its roots in manufacturing, specializing in the creation of vulcanized rubber heels and soles. Today, it boasts over 7000 employees exporting to seven continents, a footwear empire dedicated to innovation.

What music is playing in your office right now? MALEMOLÊNCIA, Céu.

Describe your brand in three words: Design, sustainability, comfort.

What is the best thing about being a Brazilian brand? You are surrounded by inspirations, colors, shapes, contrasts, textures... in a country that is much more than football and Carnival. It’s a melting pot of cultures, colors, flavors and aromas.

How would you describe the Brazilian look? Brazilians are very stylish and cheerful. The style of women in Brazil is strongly influenced by climate and the peculiarities of each region. In Rio, for example, it’s warm and has beautiful beaches, so there, styles are lighter and have nautical themes. São Paulo is the most populated city in Brazil and one of the most globalized cities in the planet, so the style is more urban and sophisticated.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

BOTTERO Bottero produces 45,000 pairs of shoes a day, is sold in more than 5,000 locations and exported to 37 countries. This is one stylish shoe giant. Founded in 1985, it is one of the largest shoe manufacturers in Brazil. So many heavenly heels, so little time!

What music is playing in your office right now? Pop-rock is the musical vibe at Bottero.

Describe your brand in three words: Comfort, young, modern.

What is the best thing about being a Brazilian brand? Brazilian shoe designers get noticed in the international market by using a diverse array of designs, colors and materials within their product. This is particularly true when working with leather products and brushed finishes. Every season, Bottero re-imagines seasonal trends with a unique Brazilian flare.

How would you describe the Brazilian look? Colorful, cheerful and innovative.

MIUCHA

Miucha is known for its comfort and style. Committed to producing high quality, on-trend footwear and contributing back to the local community this is a brand with high heels and higher standards.

What music is playing in your office right now? Venus, Koda Kumi.

Describe your brand in three words: Fashion, comfort, clean.

What is the best thing about being a Brazilian brand?

The best thing about being a Brazilian designer is to take the innate happiness and versatility of the Brazilian culture and bring it to life in everyone’s favorite product and topic, shoes! As a Brazilian designer, we’re able to create new styles and new points of view.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

How would you describe the Brazilian look? Happy, eclectic, sexy and free.

CARRANO Carrano’s philosophy is based upon empowered fashion— the kind that gives women confidence and allows them to express themselves, their personality and their individuality through their own personal style.

What music is playing in your office right now?

Counting Stars, One Republic.

Describe your brand in three words: Sophisticated, hot, comfortable.

What is the best thing about being a Brazilian brand? The Brazilian culture has a less rigid way of doing things and this characteristic appears in almost everything. I love to work with bright colors, love to draw the shoe lines exploring curves and different sexy shapes.

How would you describe the Brazilian look? Brazil is a really big country with several cultural influences. We can see this in the way that people live and the things they choose. I think that most of Brazilians like to be sexy, not necessarily in the entire outfit, but in little details. They love to mix colors and prints and above all, be comfortable.

BRAZILIANFOOTWEAR.BR

trends

SPRING

THE BEST OF THIS SEASON’S SHOW STOPPERS

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

PUMPED UP KICKS Sneakers aren’t being confined to the elliptical anymore. From Paris to New York, athletic trainers are being paired with designer gear the world over.

Whether you choose to add a heel or go without, give your pumps a break this spring and rock a pair of cool kicks.

From left to right, top to bottom: CHUCK TAYLOR Metallic sneakers Converse.com; CHUCK TAYLOR Tri panel stud sneakers Converse.com; PHILIPP PLEIN Degrade leather sneakers Plein.com; RUTHIE DAVIS Basel sneakers RuthieDavis.com; RUTHIE DAVIS John RuthieDavis.com.

STYLE TIP From skirts to trousers, the key to rocking a pair of spring-tastic sneakers is to wear them with confidence.

WHO WORE IT BEST? Known for her street-meets-chic style, fashion blogger Julia Lang of GeeksndFashion.com knows how to rock a pair of killer kicks.

Check out more of her style inspiration.

GEEKSNDFASHION.COM

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

MULE MAGIC Who’s ready to go backless? The popular 1950s mule has been revived and these retro heel are sexier than ever. Modern, chic and easy to wear, slide into these spring treasures for effortless style.

STYLE TIP

From left to right, top to bottom: ALTUZARRA Black satin mule Saks Fifth Avenue; ALTUZARRA Mule in tan Saks Fifth Avenue; SOPHIA WEBSTER Kimimi mule SophiaWebtser.co.uk; SOPHIA WEBSTER Skye mule SophiaWebtser.co.uk; TIBI Britt crystal mule wedge Tibi.com; TIBI Bee heel Tibi.com.

Mules work best with lady-like silhouettes so go for mid-length outfits and ankle grazing trousers to pull off his seasonal hit.

WHO WORE IT BEST? From cool and casual to city chic, these two style bloggers personify the very best in mule magic.

Check out more of their style inspiration.

MONIKABROOKE.BLOGSPOT.COM ANGELALANTER.COM HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

STRAPPED­ Move over zippers. Sleek, sexy and spring-spirational, the humble ankle strap has risen several notches on our trends-to-covet meter. Stepping out on the runways for Spring/Summer 2014, they are the perfect heel to party the night away. Do yourself a favor and strap these on for spring.

From left to right, top to bottom: BCBGMAXAZRIA Noella cutout wedge day sandal BCBG.com; TIBI Ivy heel Tibi. com; RUTHIE DAVIS Lucy heel RuthieDavis.com; BADGLEY MISCHKA Hawthrone heel BadgleyMischka.com; UNITED NUDE Alice heel UnitedNude.com.

STYLE TIP Effortlessly chic, heels that feature an ankle strap can make you appear shorter. The best way to counteract that, is to show a little leg—tastefully of course.

WHO WORE IT BEST? We love this look from style blogger Yuzi Katrina. Check out more of her style inspiration below.

YUZIKATRINA.COM

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

MAD FOR MONOCHROME It’s the timeless combination that’s seen season after season but for Spring/Summer 2014 footwear carried the torch for the monochrome trend. It’s clean, simple and perfect for any occasion wear it top-to-toe or embrace it from the ankles down either way, we’re glad the monochrome look is here to stay.

From left to right, top to bottom: CHARLES JOURDAN Geneva heel NeimanMarcus.com; CHARLES JOURDAN Guiliana heel NeimanMarcus.com; L.A.M.B. Fiby ShopLamb.com; L.A.M.B. Faith heel ShopLamb.com; UNITED NUDE Venus Hi heel UnitedNude.com; RUTHIE DAVIS Kelly pump RuthieDavis. com.

STYLE TIP Mix bold prints and patterns with this look or stick with the classic combination of black and white.

WHO WORE IT BEST? Effortlessly chic, Australian fashion blogger, Jasmin Howell of FriendinFashion.com, knows how to pull off the monochrome look. Check out more of her style inspiration.

FRIENDINFASHION.COM.AU

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

well heeled

HOT SEAT

WENDY NGUYEN

Simply stylish and eternally chic, we put L.A. fashion blogger, Wendy Nguyen of WendysLookbook.com, in our Well Heeled Hot Seat.

Flats or Five Inches? Five inches!

Enormous Bag or Tiny Tote?

Tiny crossbody.

Underdressed or Overdressed?

Overdressed with the option of taking off layers for a casual vibe.

What’s your fashion mantra to the masses? The closet is like the mind. An edited and organized closet leads to sharper and stronger styling options.

If you could be one shoe, what shoe would you be?

A simple almond toe pump. Five inches of course.

HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

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HOP Our editors have traversed the globe to bring you the best in designer footwear so sit back, relax and let your fingers do the walking.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

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HEAVEN HAS HEELS holiday 2013

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

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HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

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HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014 HEAVEN HAS HEELS holiday 2013

VIKTOR & ROLF

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RACHEL ROY

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HEAVEN HAS HEELS holiday 2013

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

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HEAVEN HAS HEELS spring 2014

HEAVENHASHEELS.com