- According to British “lifestyle and entertainment show” Lorraine, this is Britain’s most beautiful face. Eh, she’s no Beyoncé. [Gawker]

- Prada and graphic designer Vahram Muratyan  came up with a  little gem of an ad campaign, “Parallel Universes” featuring their spring accessories animated with a heavy dose of adorable. [Styleite]

- David and Victoria Beckham made The Sunday Times annual rich list in the music category (are we really still counting The Spice Girls, kids?) having raked in some $32 million in the past year. [Vogue UK]

- Manolo Blahnik‘s collaboration with J. Crew, that the designer didn’t really know about to begin with, has been given a stiletto to the heart. J. Crew confirmed that it’s not happening but hopes they can give it another go the future. [The Cut]

- In other shoe news, Christian Louboutin is making an actual glass slipper in honor of Cinderella coming to Blu ray and DVD. It won’t need the trademark red sole since the  pools of blood will just collect under your feet the first time you even so much as trip on the sidewalk. [Refinery29]

Robb is best known for playing Violet Beuaregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and more recently one-armed surfer Bethany Hamilton in Soul Surfer. Let’s hope Robb is getting ready to step into Sarah Jessica Parker‘s iconic Manolo Blahniks by making cheap puns, getting sloshed on Cosmos, wearing a bird on her head and waxing philosophically as she stares out of her bedroom window. [Daily Mail]

Barney’s Prediction: Give them the extremes of a giant 70′s platform chunk and/or a balls-of-the-feet to the ground 90′s stiletto.

Word from the front line: “We are seeing a shift toward a 1990s-inspired, single-sole pump silhouette à la Manolo Blahnik. Celine introduced a new take on the platform shoe, Alexander Wang showed great novelty in his lug-sole monk-strap oxfords, and Prada embraced a 1970s-inspired mule with a chunkier heel. And, of course, Christian Louboutin always embraces and even creates many of the key shoe trends each season.” Amanda Brooks, Fashion Director

Prediction: Give them the extremes of a giant 70's platform chunk and/or a balls-of-the-feet to the ground 90's stiletto. On the front line: “We are seeing a shift toward a 1990s-inspired, single-sole pump silhouette à la Manolo BlahnikCeline introduced a new take on the platform shoe, Alexander Wang showed great novelty in his lug-sole monk-strap oxfords, and Prada embraced a 1970s-inspired mule with a chunkier heel. And, of course, Christian Louboutin always embraces and even creates many of the key shoe trends each season.” - Amanda Brooks, Fashion Director

Spanish cops arrested five Columbians and a Spaniard last Tuesday after seizing nearly nine pounds/pairs of Manolo nose candy at the Barcelona airport, to the tune of $630,000 and to the chagrin of my weekend plans. I guess for $70K a pair, those damn shoes better be made out of cocaine or at the very least, gold.

The entire operaton was cooked up by a married Columbian couple living in Spain who had been under investigation for the past four months. The coke would be mixed with a liquid, turned into a paste and then molded and painted to resemble a Manolo Blahnik shoe. Then, once shipped, the shoes would be turned back into cocaine and distributed.

Meanwhile, sure it’s “illegal” and “morally-reprehensible,” but you have to admit, $70,000 is a steal for a pound of cocaine and a new pair of heels. [NY Post]

Tapping his considerable resources, ALT has secured a gown worn by Oscar-winner Penélope Cruz to a Met Costume Institute Gala from Oscar de la Renta; a black  sequined wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg; a coat trimmed with feathers and plastic fringe from Prada‘s fall 2007 collection; an evening column — what other kind of column is there? — from Tom Ford‘s first eponymous women’s collection; and a pair of blue satin Manolo Blahnik shoes from Sex and the City: The Movie.

In addition, the exhibit will include a video display showing Blahnik making milkshakes on The Martha Stewart Show, music from 2001: A Space Odyssey in the background and either Oscar de la Renta’s Live in Love or DVF’s Diane “wafting through the ventilation system.” But if you can’t make it down to Georgia for this multi-sensory experience, fret not. In December, Talley’s and de la Renta’s Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress will open at Manhattan’s Queen Sofia Spanish Institute.

And of course there’s always next year when you can apply for admission to ALTCADOYPF. [NYT]

The first time I had a major mistake was due to my inexperience. In 1972 I was invited by Ossie Clark, one of the biggest designers on earth, to do this collection at the Royal Court Theatre in London. I made these divine, fabulous heels. I think it was my first shoe, actually. They were royal-blue suede with acid green inside, and a sole made of crepe rubber, which is beautifully white — meanwhile, stunnsies —  It’s like walking on snow, but in rubber.

For the heels not to bend, they needed a steel spine inside. I didn’t realize that. So here we are. The fashion show started. Everybody in London was there. It was extraordinary to see all these models coming down the runway. I looked down and saw all the shoes going—boom, boom boom! The heels were moving around and bending. The models were moving in such a strange way.

It was humiliating for me to see what happened at my first fashion show. But when it ended, people came up to me and said, “Congratulations. This is divine! Those shoes are great. It’s sexy. Blah blah blah.” I didn’t see it that way—I thought it was a horrible thing.

But people loved it. People thought, “How strange. How original.” Mr. Clark was in heaven. Even Cecil Beaton, the English photographer, said to me, “Oh, you do create some strange movements.” And indeed, it was strange. I think they liked it because of the way the girls walked, so insecure and swaying around in the bottoms.

As a result of this happy accident, Blahnik became a perfectionist and as he put it “very painful to deal with” when making shoes. I’m assuming the pain comes from jamming a stiletto into the eye of an errant worker for not living up to his strict standards. But that’s how you become the best: bloodshed. [Daily Beast]

What makes them all around sensational is that every step of production is fair and clean. They source all of their materials as by-products of other industries. Then the shoes are skillfully constructed in an atelier in Brazil.

Also available in this minty seafoam, the Finsk color palette is on point - bright yet muted.

A vision from all angles.

These are look-at-me-shoes of the grandest proportions. Be ready to field the perplexed pedestrian response.

Your view from the top will have all of your friends oozing with shoe envy.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Mr. Santana. Manolo and I love what we does, his clothes are ultra feminine and very modern and we think with our collaboration we add shoes that compliment what he does.” – George Malkemus, President of Manolo Blahnik

It’s a motherf*cking walkoff. Go.

Lisa Immordino Vreeland, Diana’s granddaughter-in-law, directed the film Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, debuting at the Venice Film Festival September 3rd, as well as wrote the similarly-titled coffee-table book, which hits bookstores October 1st.

Featuring contributions from everyone and their mother, including Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Hubert de Givenchy, Diane von Furstenberg, Richard Avedon, Anjelica Huston and Ali McGraw*, the film is Immordino Vreeland’s first:”As soon as I started research for the book, I said to myself, ‘I should be working on a documentary.’”

Photo: Fashionologie

Giving executive realness on her way through Heathrow in a Roland Mouret shift and Smythe blazer with a 2011 Mulberry Polly bag and Manolo Blahnik pumps.

Whitney will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Fit: 4

Appropriateness: 5

Trendiness: 4

Styling: 4

Shoes: 5

Hair: 4

Makeup: 5

Pose: 2

Confidence: 4

I love this look on Whitney – the dress is adorable and those coral Manolos are to DIE for. I wish she was working the carpet a little more though. Some expression in the face or a better pose wouldn’t kill her.

Ten sexy ladies and one hot gentleman werqed it on the FashionIndie runway for the chance to nab the heels. Judging the competition were FI Editor-in-Chief Sam Lim, Lester Brathwaite of 10 Poses to Get You Into Vogue, and the man of the evening DJ Chachi. A big CONGRATULATIONS to the winner, super fly designer and blogger Carrie Morrisee. Check out her new limited edition Spring 2011 Manolo Blahniks on her blog ILoveYouNonetheless.

Download the mixtape for FREE HERE! No strings attached. Just ballin’ tunes for you.

Over 150 tweets were flying last night #indiemix3. Follow us @FashionIndie to be in the know about our next party (not to mention giveaways, fresh news and our sassy fashion musings).

Had a blast partying with you! Enjoy the Milani glitter nail polish and Violent Lips you walked away with. / Wish you were there! Maybe next time?

PS: If you met anyone last night in a solid silk bow tie – from ties.com - you met one of us

Photos by Tom Mendes

If you’re walking off for a pair of Manolos tonight wearing any of these, you best bring it, because if you do it right, you win hands down. Just sayin’.

Black sculpted platform combat boots have the heel that Gaga goes gaga for, and they’re available at Patricia Field. Which shouldn’t surprise because Mother Monster sings the praises of hooker (non) heels.

Pin spiked snake skinned Christian Louboutin heels will test your balance at the point of a needle.

Okay, now where Lady Gaga has been getting her shoes since every designer in the world wants to make things for her: Noritaka Tatehana. His gravity defying front only platforms are a bit more of an architectural feat. Watch yourself, even Gaga has taken a tumble in them.

Costume National brings us black strappies that slap back.

The pastels used by Versace are calming, but the height is anything but. And it’s hollow under the inner sole.

Double dare you to dance in these and make it all night, no complaints, no stumbling. Get it, girl.

Log onto  @FashionIndie tonight from 7  to 9 where we’ll be live-tweeting all of our Absolut-soaked shenanigans and Manolo Blahnik catwalking. By tweeting us your favorite dance song using the hashtag #IndieMix3 you could win one of our VIP gift bags full of enough swag to please even the most die-hard doomsdayers.

And don’t forget to download Mixtape Vol.2 (look to your right) while you still can because tomorrow it’ll be harder to find than Harold Camping‘s credibility.

Whether SJP and co. decide to tell that story, however, is anyone’s guess:

“I think it always comes down to story and what is the story people want to tell…I think there are lots of talented storytellers and obviously lots of talented actors who might be a part of it.”

Parker also added that she would be open to another actress stepping into her iconic Manolos, perhaps Gossip Girl‘s Blake Lively who was allegedly being considered for a prequel wherein she would  play a teenaged Carrie Bradshaw.

Well, whatever happens, just give me Pat Field and another Liza cameo; I’ll buy my ticket and lovingly roll my eyes through cheap pun after cheap pun after lurid sex joke after embarrassing sex scene . [Marie Claire UK]

You were a professional ballroom dancer and designed costumes for So You Think You Can Dance. How was that amazing experience? What influenced you to go from dancer to designer?
It was a lot of fun but a lot of work. They don’t tell you which dancers need costumes until Friday afternoon, and they need to be in L.A. by Saturday morning. I did it the first season and realized it’s a little too hectic for me. But now I can say my clothes were on national network TV, so it’s still very exciting.

Ballroom dance costumes cost about $3,000 for one gown, and you cannot wash or dry-clean them. When I danced, I found it strange that people would pay that much money for something you can’t wash. So I started making my own and selling them at a slightly cheaper price point. There is a lot of demand for dresses, but not everybody has the budget to pay thousands of dollars. People always want nice clothes at reasonable prices, and that philosophy carried to my retail stores too.

How did you go from costume designer to store owner?
I used to make clothes and started the line Virketyne. I was going from store to store selling, and this amazing opportunity emerged on the Lower East Side. I said ‘you know what, I’m going to try my hand at selling my stuff and other people’s things,’ and it turns out I’m really good at it. And I enjoy selling! Now I get to call people and tell them I have the space to showcase their lines. It’s much nicer to be on this side of the table.

Aparna Dasgupta dress and jacket

Do you think your background in costume design influenced how you designed regular clothing? How about the garments you bring into AvaMaria?
Absolutely. Because of all the dancing, I have a weakness for shiny things. Right now, the clothing in the store is very subdued, but if you come at the height of spring or after Thanksgiving, it’s mostly party dresses on the racks. We all need clothes to wear every day, but we also need fun clothes to add that fantasy element and make us feel special. Wanting clothes you can move in is also a big thing from being a dancer. There are clothes that look very nice, but if you don’t feel comfortable, you’re not going to look very good in them.

What do you look for when bringing in an independent designer to AvaMaria?
What is special about the garment and quality of the handiwork is very important. If your design is great, I can work with you season after season, but you need to provide me with good, quality garments. I can’t have customers come back after six months and say there is something wrong with a product they purchased here. Construction is very important. I love working with designers who make their garments here in New York because it helps the local economy and makes re-ordering simpler in the long run.

Aside from local designers, you have a fabulous selection of designer shoes at discounted prices. What made you want to sell this kind of merchandise in the store?
I think New Yorkers are very good shoppers, and everybody loves a good bargain. People get confused when they come into the store and see the shoes – they wonder if they’re second-hand. They ask ‘why are the shoes in such good condition?’ Because they are new! They may be Jimmy Choos from last season, but most women who purchase Jimmy Choos will wear them for more than three months.

I find a thrill in looking for these bargains and feel really happy when I see people find them here. It’s a little bit like playing Cinderella because we almost never have a full size range [in the store]. It’s very exciting when a match is made. AvaMaria is in SoHo, the shopping capital of the world. I need to keep up with all of the competition around me, so finding these designer discounts in very important.

You said that as consumers, we want “limited production quantity, moderate prices, good quality and great style.” Did this philosophy spark the inspiration for your business?
That is how I’ve always wanted to shop and I think there are a lot of people who want to shop this way and don’t have time to dig at Century 21. We provide much better customer service, a friendly atmosphere and a good selection of merchandise. We’re small enough that we can provide intimate customer service you won’t find at large discount stores. That is what boutiques are about, the importance of staff-client relations.

A lot of the time, customers ask for custom sizes or colors. That’s the good thing about working with local designers – it’s much easier to fulfill these requests. If something sold really well, you ask if the garment can be put back into production. Many times, tailoring is included with the price of the garment. I can give the designers feedback, like what sizes people have been asking for, and it’s beneficial to them too. Some designers need a few seasons to improve their craft, so I won’t drop them based on numbers. They need time, and a chance, to evolve.  This is all worth it when the customer keeps coming back for a specific collection season after season.

Stop by AvaMaria at 107 Crosby Street to see all of the amazing merchandise, and check out the Facebook page here.

First Place: Emily, Lovely Wanderlust

Wearing: Topped and bottomed in Topshop, she makes the full sheer top chic by layering the deep crimson over a rib hugging cropped camisole. Gathering the tucked blouse are a pair of double side zipped leather shorts over black hose. She winterizes the look with a long fur clutch. We LIKE!

Spa Week is awarding the best dressed blogger a $100 Spa Week Gift Certificate. “Emily had my vote from the beginning with her badass high waisted leather shorts, demure Valentine’s Day colored blouse, and sexy tank peeking out from underneath that revealed just the right amount. On behalf of Spa Week Daily, I’m excited to send this Wanderlust a la mode to the spa with a Spa Week gift card—whether it’s a massage, a facial, pedicure, scrub, eyelash extensions or something else she chooses, I know she’ll make it look damn good.” - Michelle Joni, Editor of Spa Week Daily

Italian Wine Masters is granting the winner a bottle of one of Italy’s finest wines: Fattoria del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006. With notes of dark berries and a long polished finish, it is in its prime right now, just like Emily’s look.

Lookbooks is furnishing Emily’s sweet feet with a pair of exclusive Manolo Blahnik heels. CONGRATULATIONS!

Second Place: Christina, Trop Rouge

Wearing: The black and white orgy of textures tousles with her hair. Her look is the ultimate High-Low blogger’s delight with a dress by Givenchy and faux fur vest from Forever 21.

Italian Wine Masters is proud to present Christina with a bottle of Fanti Tenuta San Filippo 2007 Sant’Antimo Rosso. This red is as crisp and completely fresh as her style.

Lookbooks has decided to give up a SECOND pair of Manolos to the fabulous Trop Rouge. That fur under leather over lace strikes a loving chord in our fashion soul.

Third Place: Jinna, Grease and Glamour

Wearing: Atop Yves Saint Laurent booties, she pulls off strings of pearl necklace-as-belt over an H&M drape skirt. The touch of baby blue elevates the look sky high.

Italian Wine Masters is bestowing upon the super chic Jinna a bottle of Chianti Classico from 2007. It is ruby red with bursts of cherry and makes for a fine long drink, classic like Jinna’s style.

Congrats to all! And a big thank you to all the bloggers for coming to the FashionIndie & Lookbooks Loft for a day of mid-Fashion Week pampering by Spa Merge, NK Salon, B Bronze and Completely Bare.

Several of our guests took time out to get properly blinged thanks to Completely Bare‘s snazzy vajeweling and designer Louise Manna‘s gorgeous jewelry.

Though everyone was (predictably) well-dressed, bloggers had the option of adding one of  Koza‘s fabulous handbags to complement their outfits. And don’t forget to vote on those outfits in our Best Dressed Blogger Contest! The blogger with the most “Likes” wins a $100 Spa Week Gift Certificate and a pair of exclusive Manolo Blahniks.

We were all winners, however, when party photog Mark Hunter, aka The Cobrasnake dropped by to try out a spray tan from Be Bronze and treated us all to the sight of him walking around in a speedo.

Yes, kids, ’twas a memorable day and a glorious respite from the tents. We got to meet a bunch of really great bloggers and build some fashonable bridges. I even got a chance to interview my new blogger friend Nubia Mejia of Nubia’s Nonsense and gifted her a pair of Manolos for sitting down with me.

Now if only I could have massages from the divine Olga from Spa Merge everyday of my life, everything would be perfect…

1. They’re good for your sole. Believe it or not, a platform only helps ease the pain of wearing high heels by providing an extra layer of comfort. So when you’re stepping on the carcasses of anyone who dared stand in your way  on the ladder to the top, you’re arches will be fully supported.

2. You’ll tower above the competition. A platform also adds an extra inch or two to an already spiky heel, giving you the extra height needed to grab for that last sequined Dolce clutch or to slap away the French-tipped fingers of the trash jostling for it next to you.

3. Is that a stripper pole? Sign me up! Slip on those Lucite heels and pop in that Carmen Electra stripperobics DVD, it’s time to get sassy. Platform heels are great to dance in and make you feel all kinds of sexy, even when you’re grinding your junk all over a greased up pole. Or one of these.

4. Beauty is on the foot of the beholder. The best platform heels — we’re talking Balenciaga‘s architectural arches, Prada‘s fun and funky wedges and YSL‘s hairy-heeled stilettos — are works of art that require a public viewing.

5. Flats are the devil’s footwear. Plain and simple, flats are bringing about the downfall of civilization. Just think about it. Flats are easy and suddenly life’s so easy everyone becomes complacent, then complacence breeds laziness and laziness breeds stupidity, next thing you know we’re all picking our noses and staring blankly into space while listening to President Palin’s State of the Union Address. It all adds up.

Photo: Style.com

With a body of neoprene and a bubbly rubber sole encasement, these Tron Legacy x Opening Ceremony sneaker-heel-hybrids look fit to work. They look light, like the weight of those sneakers that make your socks look like fat asses. Only pretty.

They are reminiscent of Ruthie Davis, whose shoes are the self-proclaimed offspring of a passionate love affair between Nike and Manolo. These Opening Ceremony kicks look more like K-Swiss fucked Michael Kors. It was hot.

Thanks Opening Ceremony, for creating this Tron Legacy inspired beauty. If you still had them available in more than just the aqua blue, I’d be jogging in them tomorrow to Tron’s Daft Punk soundtrack.

Oprah squeezing into some Chinese slippers the only way she ever could

According to ABC‘s Nightline:

“Podiatrist Ali Sadrieh in Beverly Hills, Calif., performs the toe shortening procedure, which involves actually dislocating the toe and sawing out a 2-millimeter chunk of bone. He then inserts a titanium rod to bring the shortened bone back together.”

That doesn’t sound so bad, right?

Right?

And think of all the pain medication and the Louboutins you’ll get. But if that sounds a little extreme, you can always opt for the good old foot plump, wherein fat is liposuctioned out of your gut and injected into the sole of your foot to make walking in heels comfortable.  It’s a win-win!

Still, a third option involves sucking the baby fat out of your baby toe, thus slimming it down, which I’m seriously considering. I haven’t worn a shoe pain-free in years and it’s all because of this goddamned pinky toe.

Though these procedures could lead to “permanent nerve damage, infection, scarring, a recurrence of the deformity that was supposedly fixed and chronic pain when wearing not just high heels, but all shoes” etc, etc, blah-dee-fucking-blah.

I say it’s worth it. My motto has always been, “In fashion, if it don’t fit, you gotsta snip.” Sure I may have accidentally sent a friend or two the emergency room, but they thanked me. Or at least they will once they’re discharged.

LINK LOVE: ABC News

LINK LOVE: Vogue.com

Kelly Bensimon is wearing an Emilio Pucci dress and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

On the alleged breakdown on Real Housewives of New York City: “I am not crazy. I am unpredictable,” Bensimon says. And in case you were wondering, “I’m not in therapy.”

On the other Real Housewives of New York City: “Whether it’s my nail color, my hair color, or the shoes I’m wearing, everything about me bothers them.” “They want to go to the parties I go to, they want to hang out with me, they want to do the things that I’m doing.”

On moving forward: “I’m 42, and I have this new life,” she says. “Yes, I’m more mass market. And that’s okay. It’s my job.…I’ve worked so hard. It wasn’t always lollipops and unicorns.” “I tell my girls, ‘Your mom gets paid to engage in inappropriate behavior.’ It’s an amazing opportunity for them to see that being mean is not okay. I tell them, ‘If you’re in a situation like this, walk out. Don’t come back with jelly beans.’”

Andy Cohen on Kelly Bensimon’s alleged breakdown: “I think it was deeply disturbing. It seemed like she had a break of some kind, but I can’t say exactly what it was.” “She was not forced to go to Saint John by Bravo or the producers,” he says. “That’s untrue.”

Full story at www.harpersbazaar.com/kellybensimon

The August issue of Harper’s Bazaar hits newsstands July 20.

Photo Credit: Danielle Levitt

“It’s Issy — it’s her DNA — it should not be scattered to the four winds,” says Ms. Guinness. “I want it to remain as a monument.”

The collection is said to have included over 90 Alexander McQueen outfits, 50 Philip Treacy hats, and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Hopefully, Daphne will be kind enough to put the collection on display for the whole world to appreciate. MET are you listening? Get on this bitch…

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the Zac Posen Resort show, an intimate presentation held at his studio in TriBeCa.

Zac started the show by presenting an inspiration board. Then, the models appeared…

As I was watching the models walk down the runway, wearing custom Manolo Blahnik shoes made especially for the collection, I felt submerged in a dream, one where the dresses looked like clouds and the models, angels.

Each girls’ hair was tied in a tight low bun, as to not distract the viewer from the intricate detail of each garment. The makeup was mesmerizing, little tiny dots combined together to create the effect of tweed on the models’ eyelids. A touch of orange lipstick completed the look.

The best part, after the show, the pieces were brought out onto racks so that the we could touch and photograph all the details.

The accessories were also displayed for all to try.

The show was breathtaking, leave it to Zac to make a dress collection any women would want to buy.

Blow with a young McQueen

Isabella Blow, who committed suicide in 2007, was one of the first to discover the genius of Lee Alexander McQueen. Soon, her collection will be for sale. Over 90 McQueen outfits, 50 hats from the milliner Philip Treacy and shoes by Manolo Blahnik will be up for auction on Sept.15th. Start collecting your money now!

Keep reading on NY Times

Blow with a young McQueen

Halston Heritage Carrie Dress available at www.renttherunway.com for $50

Only 5 days left to use promo code: Indie2010 to receive $10 off your first rental!!

LINK: Etsy of the Week: Vintage Boots

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

You can imagine my excitement when we ran into Zac last night on the street (check out Twitter) after finishing dinner at La Esquina. His anticipated fall 2010 collection, which I had to wake up way early for to make the show by 9am, was very festive, with many bright colors and prints, and leg friendly dresses, quite a turn from his usual floor sweeping gowns. Tons of fur, so much that even the shoes, made custom by Manolo Blahnik, had fur!

Watch a great video of the collection here.

Check out the amazing shoe sale at the twelfth annual New York City Shoe-Inn warehouse sale, and don’t forget the mid-January Manolo Blahnik sale.

Stock up on footwear at the twelfth annual New York City Shoe-Inn warehouse sale, featuring 10,000 pairs of shoes from designers like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, and Frye. All shoes are $19.99 to $99.99 and all booties and boots are $34.99 to $199.99 (originally up to $1,250). Through 1/6. Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway, at 36th St.; 9–7.

• Fall/winter shoes are 1/3 off at the Manolo Blahnik sale. Shoes will be reduced to 50 percent off in mid-January. Through 2/1. 31 W. 54th St., nr. Sixth Ave. (212-582-3007); M–F (10:30–6)
LINK LOVE: The Cut

We’ve got a list of some of the best looking shoes on the street. Thank you NYC for keeping it classy.

1. Chanel

2. Manolo Blahnik

3. Louis Vuitton

4. Giuseppe Zanotti

5. Vintage Prada

6. Colin Stuart & Miu Miu

7. Manolo Blahnik

8. Christian Louboutin

9. Michael Kors

10. Bliss

11. Kors by Michael Kors

(essence.com)

The Chanel booties, gold and black Manolos and Giuseppe Zanotti sandals are my favorites.

Loved this post? Check out TheyEnvy.Us for more posts from our readers and be sure to become a contributing editor.

LINK LOVE: From the Streets of New York: All about the Shoe

Heels and boots starting at $100. November 12, 8:30am—4pm (but it might remain open longer, depending on the crowd.) The Warwick Hotel, 54th Street and Sixth Ave.

LINK LOVE: racked

“I hate celebrities. All those pointless girls — I won’t name names, but you know who I mean. They are ‘famous’. Ridiculous. I like women with style: actresses like Uma Thurman, icons like Audrey Hepburn. I like women with style to wear my shoes.”

LINK LOVE

Ok, glamettes listen up because this is for charity. We all know that only thing more glamorous than an amazing pair of heels is if the proceeds of those heels go to people in need. Yes, I have an inner Audrey Hepburn. This particular event is very exciting though, it involves the 70th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz, the world’s best shoe designers and The Elizabeth Glazer Pediatrics AIDS Foundation.

I usually make it a rule to write all of my own posts word for word. However, I will make an exception this one time, as I want to make sure I convey all of the information correctly.

So, from the official website: http://www.rubyslipperauction.com/ here is the information, feel free to peruse the website and bid on your own pair of ruby slippers. xoxo

From Beverly Hills to Berlin; from big screens to home screens, Warner Bros. Entertainment has for the past year been celebrating the 70th anniversary of an iconic American classic The Wizard of Oz with spectacular festivities spanning the globe. As part of this celebration, Warner Bros. Consumer Products in partnership with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements invited the world’s top shoe designers to reinterpret Dorothy’s iconic Ruby Slippers for modern times.

“If Dorothy were living in the 21st century, what would she wear?” was the question answered by The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection, a creative re-interpretation of one of film’s most iconic and revered symbols which has captured the hearts and imaginations of people the world over. Designers, including A. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi, and Tuleh, were granted creative license and access to unlimited CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements to re-imagine Dorothy’s design with their own modern vision of the sparkling Ruby Slipper.

Since its debut one year ago in New York City to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Collection has toured more than 20 prestigious destinations around the world, including Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai and Melbourne. The Ruby Slipper Collection and original design sketches will now be auctioned online by Charity Folks beginning 10:00 AM EST on September 10 to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The public has one final chance to view The Ruby Slipper Collection in entirety at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ flagship store at 499 Broadway in New York City from September 10th — 23rd; the exhibit will be run simultaneously to the online auction.

Also featured in the auction are select pieces from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection which premiered during the highly anticipated and revered Art Basel Miami Beach 2008. An acclaimed array of artists were among the chosen few selected to re-interpret The Wizard of Oz through their own unique visions and artistic mediums. Included in the auction are one-of-a-kind interpretive works of art including painting, drawing and sculpture from esteemed artisans Angelo Aversa, Romero Britto, Nelson De La Nuez, Todd White and Yakovetic.

The auction will culminate at 10:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, with the Warner Bros. Entertainment Emerald Gala, a glorious event at Manhattan’s historic Tavern on the Green hosted by its owner and CEO Jennifer Oz LeRoy, granddaughter of The Wizard of Oz producer Mervyn LeRoy; introducing Warner Home Video’s new benchmark The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray release on September 29th.

THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.

Please, at least go to the website and have a look. It’s for a really good cause!!!

More pics and info here.

Much love for Leigh’s Rad Hourani dress and Manolos. Fashion Week brings out the most fashionable people!

LINK LOVE: Elle

Designer of all of those killer heels that rose to fame on Sex and the City, Manolo Blahnik, reveals to the Sunday Telegraph that he’s ‘sickened’ by what his legacy has become:

“If people talk to me about Sex And The City, I get sick.  The taxi drivers recognize me now. It becomes too much and I don’t feel comfortable. I have never wanted to be a celebrity designer.”

LINK LOVE: http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/38965663.html

Watch out Kirkwood, Louboutin, Blahnik…Chau Har Lee has you beat on all accounts, including innovation, design, and originality.

Thanks FWD for finding this designer

According to the petition the Humane Society filed, Neiman’s and Bergdorf’s have been hawking $1,500 Manolo Blahnik boots trimmed with “cava fur” and “natural ocelot fur.” Just two problems: There’s no such thing as cava fur, and it’s illegal to sell ocelot fur because the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service classifies the animal as an endangered species.

LINK LOVE: huffingtonpost via treehuger

Alek Wek and Naomi Campbell’s design

Top models and designers (including Manolo Blahnik) are teaming up with Havaianas to create original designs which will be auctioned off between July 15 and 26 for charity, CLIC Sargent, a young cancer patient organization.  See them on display in Selfridge’s Oxford Street window and bid on their website.

SOURCE: Modelina

Simply amazing cut-out shoes that were first spotted on the runway of Christopher Kane’s Fall 2008 collection and are now on the streets of Paris. You have to handed it to Manolo, he knows a good shoe. 

LINKAGE: CUTOUT//

Manolo Blahnik has designed another bottle for Coca-Cola Light (his first bottle was in 2005, during his Sex and the City days).

Here’s a sneak peek at his new design (left), which is obviously all about shoes.

From Style Frizz.

This is a sneak peak of Sergio Rossi’s version of Dorothy’s famous ruby red shoes, as part of a particularly fashionable commemoration of the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz.

Incorporating CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements, Sergio Rossi joins 19 other designers including Betsey Johnson, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik to reinterpret the character’s iconic slippers as part of a showcase and auction to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS foundation.

The fruits of their fashionable labour will be unveiled at Saks Fifth Avenue on September 4 before moving to Bryant Park on September 5 for the start of New York Fashion Week. Public viewings are also planned throughout 2009.

Personally, I think this doesn’t at all resemble the original slippers, with the 8 inch heal and sex kitten like swirls. I would have preferred to see an actual updated remake…Now Betsy Johnson should be able to do this no prob!

Thanks Vogue UK

Upon the 70th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz, Designers whipped out their sketch pads for the ultimate recreation. Twenty designers have decided to commemorate the anniversary with their creative minds and a bit of ruby coloring with a sparkle. The recreations will be used to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in the form of an auction, which is set to take place in early fall 2009. Two pairs of shoes by each designer will be produced for the auction. Until then, the pumps will make their main appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue and in Bryant Park throughout the upcoming year. Among the designers for the commemoration are Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Manolo Blahnik, Betsy Johnson, Amy Smilovic, and Jimmy Choo. Can’t wait to see the creations!

Since its release countless blogs and media outlets have pointed out how unrealistic Sex and the City is. As if we need someone to point this out! Well here’s another example reinforcing that Sex and the City is a work of fiction, a urban fairy-tale if you will. The website SassyBella has pointed out that the blue satin Manolo Blahnik shoes featured in the film are $945.00 dollars, $400 more than what Carrie quotes them as. I must say, I did a mental double-take when Carrie uttered that her perfect, new, something-blue Manolo’s were $525 bucks. When was the last time Manolo’s were $500 dollars? I mean the most basic Blahnik will run you at least $545 these days. Thanks to Pat Fields and her vision of Carrie Bradshaw Maonolo’s haven’t been $500 dollars since the new millennium. I guess Carrie got a discount? Unfortunately we’re all not so lucky.

But if you feel like spending your rent check on these shoes you can pre-order them on Neiman Marcus‘ website. But don’t expect them to ship till October. Expensive things comes to those who wait.