There’s a whole lot of shoe flaunting going on in the ladies high-heel designer world. To show it all off, Marie Claire’s newest Italian photo shoot, amongst the many sexy shoes portrayed, are a pair of reverse heels (referred to as Anti-Heels), which Nina Ricci has also created in a similar backwards heel style in red and black.

And transparent heels seem to be everywhere from Dsquared2 to Prada 2010 platform collections and Fendi’s glassy transparent heels.

Then there’s the hot Greek designer, Stathis Samantas, who’s so hot he doesn’t even have a shop or an outlet yet, but has managed to create a delicate strappy line that’s been showcased on Trend Hunter and likened to the feminine elegance of Coco Chanel – not bad a for a beginner.

And how about Nicholas Kirkwood designs – front platform stiletto futuristic-retro, exhibited on the runway with feathers (although feathers are not included if you buy them).

Nicholas Kirkwood also makes fabulous navy blue wedges and leather pumps with wedge heels that are great for the office, not just these runaway models.

Christian Dior figures into the shoe flaunting action going for retro 70’s or 80’s platform wedge shoes. There’s a wedge shoe in vibrant purple and few hot pink wedge shoes designs replete with sparkling black stockings…while we’re not sure where people wear purple wedge shoes with sparkling socks it’s possible they’re not observed on the street because they’re party shoes.

Although Diego Dolcini is a busy man with Dolce & Gabbana he’s had time to create a little shoe action with his own stravaganza di forme e colori in wedge shoes and wedge sandals for his latest collection.

Design genius Christian Werner has come up with a translucent sculptured wedge sandal using nothing more than a clear wedge heel and flowing peach ribbons – a sweet sorbet for feet!

Then there’s a snow white Balenciaga wedge boot that camouflages the high wedge heel in a tall shapeless white on white form that may be molto trendy in the Italian Alps after a day of skiing in Cervinia. Balenciaga has given white wedge shoes a whole new meaning.

The 2010 spring collections could not be complete without Givenchy ultra high womens wedge shoes in a stretchy African not quite animal stripe print. Givenchy’s women’s wedge shoes are usually not this avant-garde, and closed, I mean with just a teeny bit of toe peeking out. For example a more classic look for this designer is the mock croc leather wedge shoes that are also animal print wedge shoes, but a lot sexier and much more wearable.

And speaking about sexy without being overly provocative, the Givanchy line of wedges also has an ultra stylish pair of red wedge shoes, well, they’re actually wedge boots…

On the topic of boots for this coming winter season, how about something unusual like a pair of light colored boots (not the usual black or drab brown wedge shoes) and not at all like the white Balenciaga wedge boot, but more practical – a pair of grey leather wedge booties also from Givenchy that feature grey textured nappa leather and a small gold toned, back zipper closure and a leather and rubber sole for good grip even on slippery surfaces.

Here are a few other great wedge boots:

• Givenchy – Ankle boots for $490. featuring varnished inner zip closure leather sole belt detailing and medium wedge heal. This is one great pair of leather wedge shoes for winter at a super good price considering it’s a high end pair of designer shoes.
• Givenchy – High-heeled wedge boots for $570. with suede rear zip and leather sole. Some of the details include metallic inserts narrow toeline and comfy wedges.
• Givenchy – High-heeled boots for $950. with polished leather, zip closure, leather sole, lots of padding above the wooden wedge.
• Givenchy – Ankle wedge boots for $780. with polished leather, rear zip, leather sole and lots of padding, a fancy belt detail and cut-out pattern along with a round toe and a comfy wedge heel.

For the spring 2010 collection Anna Sui has outdone herself with Andy Warhol meets a roman sandal in purple! When it comes to ladies shoes Anna Sui goes all out, and this season it is all about purple.

Other collections have been somewhat between cowboy meets lace, and her shoes and boots are not especially feminine, but intended to be quirky and unusual. However all her creations are Italian shoes as she has them make in Italy from the best leathers.

Sui clothing and women’s shoes are as fascinating as the American designer herself, who started her career designing from an apartment and selling pieces to Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. With Naomi Campbell she was able to organize a first runway show in ’91 and later opened a store in New York. She has always been a lavender and purple lover, and this was reflected in the paint color chosen for the shop – lavender walls and red floors. She has attracted a youthful shoe wearing crowd with a line called Dolly Girl, 2007, and a children’s line, Anna Sui Mini, 2009.

There are other stained glass shoes, if you try to search online, most are wedge sports shoes with a stained glass pattern. Totally awful colorful military camouflage sneakers, and in my opinion, less wearable than these mosaic glass heals.

If you were thinking that a pair of glass shoes would be more like the clear wedge shoes you’ve seen on the runways or the ones you read about in fairytales, they also exist and not just for runways made by designers for the rich. There are Cinderella slippers that look like glass and are made of a little more practical material – plastic. They are sold as bridal shoes and for costumes, for those want to be the bell of the ball, at least until midnight!

But you’re still hoping for a crystal high heel shoe that’s totally unwearable…well here you have it…a crystal shoe…

But I’m afraid that I’m going to have to disappoint you again…Cinderallas’ footwear was not made of glass at all…it was made of fur…because in French “verre” or glass and fur sound a little similar and that’s where the confusion arose.

A little more practical is Diane von Furstenberg’s wedge boot in brown suede with a shearling cuff and front zipper. This line also includes black wedge shoes and boots that are low to medium heel height. Diane von Furstenberg has a knack for making simple yet stunning suede wedge shoes in natural colors.

Unlike many other shoe brands, her women wedge shoes are elegant and most have heels that are contoured to be comfortable. Aside from her large selection of boots, she also makes shoe wedges that are for summer and have lots of colors, and some wood wedge shoes with nothing but an X strap. Yellow, orange, tan, brown and a touch of turquoise – but mostly earthy tones are her colors.

Here are some other affordable shoes for women that are available from many places that sell shoes online. All are Diane von Furstenberg creations and are practical especially for ladies who are accustomed to high shoes.

Some are wood wedge shoes, others are delicate evening shoes, a few of her designs are comfort shoes that can be used to walk or hike. She also has summer shoes, yellow wedge shoes, gold shoes –
like the ones pictured above, and lots of strappy high wedge sandals from last season.

This season her women’s wedges are primarily wedge boots like the Java Boots (black wedge boots) and her wonderful unique Zia Shoes in Black Satin.

To buy shoes from Diane von Furstenberg’s collections simply go to her
women shoes shop center online.

• Diane Von Furstenberg Women’s Wedge $147.
• Diane Von Furstenberg Comfy chic Black/Ivory Fabric $127 fabric and leather.
• Diane von Furstenberg Black Monte Shoe Wedges $265.
• Diane Von Furstenberg Mecca $155, women’s wedge red kid suede
• Diane Von Furstenberg Golden Sandal $280,leather wedge sandal slingback
• Diane Von Furstenberg Cork Wedge $149, leather shoes, wedge heels.
• Diane Von Furstenberg Empire Wedge Boot $295, suede, rubber sole.

I have become, over the years, much more selective about whose shoes I buy, and try to stick to designers and brand names with quality reputations. I have simple wedge heels by Amalfi and fabulous Prada wedge boots that have become a mainstay in my wardrobe for nearly 10 years. Yes, the initial investment is huge for designer shoes, but I would have had to buy 10 pairs for $50 0r $100 during that same time and my Prada wedge boots were on sale for less than $600, so in the end I have saved and have reliable, ultra-stylish footwear that I can depend upon day in and day out.

To help you, I have created a list of the main shoe designers and what they offer, giving a little history about the company as well as some popular wedge sandals, wedge shoes and wedge boots that I recommend for this year. Here is part I -from Amalfi to Aquatalia:

Amalfi

Amalfi is part of Rangoni Firenze Shoes from Italy. All their wedge shoes and wedge sandals are made from leather exclusively for the Rangoni collections. Amalfi designer wedge shoes come with a long history of quality that dates back to the 1930′s when all their shoes were cobbler crafted shoes and sandals made by hand. They have since made shoes for designers as Christian Dior. Most of their lines are built for comfort with low and medium heels. One example is their famous pump wedge shoe.

• Amalfi – Celt – Taupe Suede Pump Wedge Shoes- $235.00

Andre Assous

Known initially for high quality Spanish-style shoes (and linked in the 70’s to Jacques Cohen), Andre Assous brought a new look to ladies footwear with the peasant style shoe which became poplar across Europe and the US. These shoes were originally made of linen with hemp on a wedge heel. Americans popularized this look because they were comfortable and natural and went well with hippie.

Since the inception of the peasant wedge sandals in the ‘70s, Assous has added many variations to women’s wedge shoes with sophisticated sexy wedge shoes and espadrilles that continue with the hippie-chic and East Indian-inspired influences. They use embroidery and colorful adornments to enhance their designer wedge shoes and sandals that now grace the runways in France. It is interesting that while Andre Assous wedge shoes may have been pioneers in the wedge shoe industry, the wedge heel, hemp wedge sandals and espadrille have even entered the collections of the best fashion designers such as Yves St. Laurent.

• Andre Assous – Pamela – Black Canvas Espadrille Wedge Shoe -$105.00/Natural canvas upper/ Jute natural fiber insole/2 ½” jute wedge/ rubber outer sole/made in Spain/order ½ size smaller
• Andre Assous – Pamela – Natural Canvass Espadrille Wedge Shoe – $105.00
• Andre Assous – Dodie-4 – Beige Silk Sling Wedge Shoe – $125.00
• Andre Assous – Dodie-4 – Navy Silk Sling Wedge Shoe – $125.00

Aquatalia by Marvin K.

Aquatalia shoes have been around since 1989 in Montreal, New York and Milan and are known for being a family run company. They use Italian leather and advanced technology to create ladies footwear that is sophisticated and versatile. Their wedge shoes, for which they are famous, make use of soft metallic leathers, colorful patents and two texture wedges in cork, wood, linen and straw. They also incorporate into their ladies footwear the newest technology of stretch fabrics, padded footbeds and fully leather lined inner soles. They are also well known for heir trademark weatherproofing which separates their wedge boots from others on the market. Their footwear is designed for rain, snow, sleet or sun. This waterproofing is based on a special sealant they use on the leather during the tanning process.

Unlike many wedge boots that are treated with a sealant after being made, Aquatalia adies boots and women’s wedge shoes are treated when still just pieces of leather. The sealant applied in this manner penetrates the fibers of the leather and will not wear off. It also makes the leather for their shoes very soft and provides salt and stain resistance, helps the leather to breathe naturally and ensures that your wedge shoe or wedge sandal or wedge boot will keep you cool or warm and maintain your comfort.

• Aquatalia by Marvin K. – Jello – Black Microfiber Wedge Shoe – $325.00
• Aquatalia by Marvin K. – Jello – Brown Microfiber Wedge Shoe – $325.00
• Aquatalia by Marvin K. – Plushy – Black Suede Mid Shaft Wedge Boot – $395.00/soft black weatherproof suede/square finished toe/ side zipper with elastic back panel/breathable microfiber lining/leather insoles/2 ¼” wedge heel/slip resistant rubber soles/made in Italy

My Prada wedge boots have lasted almost 10 years, and although my initial investment was about $600, in the long run they have saved me from buying half a dozen or more cheap boots. I prefer to have ONE elegant pair of boots that are dependable than many pairs that fall apart when least expected. I also choose a wedge heel boot because I walk a lot and have found the heels of wedge shoes and boots take a beating much better. The heels also break, or become loose, less frequently, in fact, I have never had a wedge shoe with a wedge heel fall off or leave me stranding with a heel in my hand.

So that is why I have made this list which encompasses some of the main quality shoe designers and what they offer. I also have researched a little about the shoe companies’ history so you know who you’re buying from.

This year wedge sandals, wedge shoes and wedge boots are hot, so here is part II – Womens Wedge Shoes -from Ash to Chinese Laundry:

Ash

• Ash shoes, since 2001 make edgy, comfortable footwear – notably sports shoes

• Ash – Virgin – Silver Buckle Hi-top Sneaker -$198.00/hi-top sneaker/silver metallic leather/adjustable straps/roller buckles/leather lined/ padded leather insoles/wedge heel/rubber bottoms
• Ash – Venus – Black Suede Sneaker -$160.00

Bernardo

Bernardo creates mostly low wedge sandals and wedge thongs in a wide variety of sizes and colors for the beach or street. Bernardo sandals and ladies wedge shoes are made simply for slipping into with no fuss.

Beverly Feldman

Beverly Feldman, although coming from a conservative New England town brings freshness and a touch of wild to her fashion shoes creations. I love the Beverly Feldman Gladiator Wedge Sandals with Antique Buttons – about $175.

Bloch London

Originally founded by Jacob Bloch in 1932 during the great depression, Mr. Bloch made all his shoes by hand in the workshop where he lived. Inspired by the ballet he loved so much he began to make ballet slippers as well. Jacob made shoes those in the ballet including Spessiva, Baranova, Riabouchinskaya, Toumanova, David Lichine and others. Today Bloch London carries an impressive line of what are ballets, which are low shoes that lightly cover the entire foot. Their line also includes a wide selection of low wedge heel shoes which are known for their comfort.

Blowfish

Blowfish is a new designer label, only about a year old, with the genius of Steve Hoyt of Rocket Dog and Don Weiss of Steve Madden. This new designer footwear label has become hugely popular in London, Israel, Australia and Greece. They are known for having some of the funkiest most colorful women’s wedge shoes available. Blowfish wedge shoes can be purchased from most reputable online shoe distributors.

Calvin Klein

• Calvin Klein – Yircle – Black Patent Low Wedge Thong – $80.00

• Calvin Klein – Yircle – Gold Metallic Low Wedge Thong – $80.00
• Calvin Klein – Yircle – Gun Metallic Low Wedge Thong -$80.00

Chie Mihara

Chie Mihara, a Brazilian-Japanese- New Yorker, launched her private collection in 2001. One popular and classic wedge shoe by Chie is a suede wedge sandal with ruffles on the front. It is different than some of her other work because it is a simple elegant wedge unlike many of her other more Japanese/retro/rounded toe shoes she is famous for.

• Ruffled Chie Mihara Wedge Sandal in Soft Gray Suede – $385.

Chinese Laundry

Originally started by Robert and Carol Goldman in1971 in Los Angeles and become Chinese Laundry in 1982 – for young women’s shoes in everything from daytime casual shoes to glamorous evening shoes worn by the stars. Chinese Laundry shoes have designer styles at affordable prices.

• Chinese Laundry Sparrow Black Wedge Sandal -$64.00
• Chinese Laundry Malini Coral Wedge Sandal -$59.00

That is why I have become more selective in shopping for quality shoes and boots and sandals that will be comfortable, practical and sexy yet won’t fall apart as I walk. For example I have a pair of Amalfi shoes that have been with me for about 8 years. They go with suits and the little black evening dress without needing to switch from day to evening footwear. They were a little expensive at around $350 but they have been well worth the price.

I also have some Dolce & Gabbana boots, a Prada or two and a pair of Chloe that are divine. Each of these purchases seemed extravagant at the time, but they have saved me from spending a lot more should I have bought a pair of shoes to match each outfit as the cheap shoes fell apart after only a few wears. Quality pays off. Shoes for the ladies are an investment like jewelry or fine silk blouses. Quality shoes do not go out of fashion as quickly as cheep knock offs.

So I have prepared a list of designers who offer high quality shoes, and I have also selected some of the most important wedge shoe selections for the 2009 seasons…what’s left of summer and what’s coming for fall and winter. Here is Part IV – Wedge Sandals & Shoes -from Donald J. Pliner to Kate Spade:

Donald J. Pliner

These concept shoe stores offer theater effect with influences from Africa, Santa Fe, and Morocco. Donald has concept stores in Beverly Hills, Houston, Las Vegas and San Jose. His footwear is casual luxury.

• Donald J. Pliner – Nona – Black Patent Wedge Sandal-$260.00
• Donald J. Pliner – Nona – Brown Wedge Sandal -$260.00
• Donald J. Pliner – Sienna – Black Wedge Slide – $275.00
• Donald J. Pliner – Sienna – Bronze Wedge Slide – $275.00
• Donald J. Pliner – Bliss – Black Patent Cork Wedge – $275.00
• Donald J. Pliner – Bliss – Bronze Metallic Cork Wedge – $275.00

Franco Sarto

From Venice, Italy, Sarto’s women’s shoe passion began at 14, by sitting on a stool with a hammer and nails. Now Franco Sarto is known for fine Italian leather boots, wedge shoes, and the popular Mary Jane shoes.

Jeffrey Campbell

For 2009 Jeffrey Campbell shoes has a special line of ladies wedge shoes and ballets. All made in Spain but available online worldwide.

Juicy Couture Shoes

The Juicy Couture name comes from the phenomenon of juicy girls, or hostess bar workers, common in Asia. Since 2003 Juicy Shoes has been part of Liz Claiborne Shoes. Some of my favorite wedge heel shoes and designer wedge shoes are available through Juicy Shoes at very reasonable prices. They have wedge shoes, wedge boots and wedge sandals in every color including this season’s yellow platform wedge shoes and the hottest pink wedge sandals for the beach.

A funny thing about Juicy Couture Shoes is that they not only sell shoes, sunglasses, umbrellas, belts, perfume, socks, scarves, key chains, perfume, dresses, wallets, cosmetic cases and baby diaper bags, but they also have an exclusive line of designer dog accessories including leashes, collars, and doggy clothing.

Kate Spade

Designer Kate Spade is a no-nonsense all-American girl from Kansas City. Her low wedge shoes have a fresh sense of simple practicality. She also has a line basic elegance which offers cork wedge heel sandals, ballets and uncomplicated high heels.

I have paid a high price to learn this lesson, because I often bought adorable little shoes in markets and shops as I traveled only to be sorely disappointed when they completely fell apart after one or two wears.

Over the years I have therefore become selective and stick with names like Dolce & Gabbana, Chloe, Amalfi and others who offer quality shoes that do loose their appeal or go out of fashion as quickly as discount shoes that look great for only a short time.

Here is the next part of the list of designers who I believe offer high quality shoes. I have also included a little corporate history in some cases, and a few suggested wedge shoes for the seasons ahead. Here is Part V – Womens Wedge Sandals & Shoes -from Kork-Ease to Bernson:

Kork-Ease

Kork-Ease specializes in wedge shoes, wedge sandals, cork wedge shoes and platform wedge shoes. Ladies wedge shoes are their main products.

• Kork-Ease – Shannon – Black Metallic Cork Wedge Sandal – $155.00
• Kork-Ease – Shannon – Cork On Cork Wedge Sandal -$155.00
• Kork-Ease – Geena – Brown Cork Dyed Wedge Slide -$145.00
• Kork-Ease – Geena – Natural Cork Wedge Slide – $145.00
• Kork-Ease – Tamara – Bronze Leather Wedge Sandal – $145.00
• Kork-Ease – Ava – Cork On Cork Wedge Sandal – $145.00

KORS (by Michael Kors)

Michael Kors designs chic, luxurious footwear, with a list of clients such as Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sharon Stone and Madonna just to name a few.

• Kors by Michael Kors – Ace – Luggage Suede Wedge Sandal – $225.00
• Kors by Michael Kors – Beach – Gun Metal Halter Espadrille Wedge Sandal – $225.00
• Kors by Michael Kors – Nigel – Cork Wedge Sling Sandal – $250.00
• Kors by Michael Kors – Violet – Black Patent Leather Cork Wedge Shoe – $295.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs

As a Native New Yorker Marc Jacobs has been known to design for Winona Ryder, Uma Thurman, the Olsen twins, Drew Barrymore, Sophia Coppola and Scarlett Johansson. His designs are simple, casual, at times grunge-inspired, but emphasizing comfort. He has a very large selection of women’s wedge shoes in a huge color selection from purple wedge shoes to classic tan or white wedge cork sandals and many wedge shoes and sandals in wood.

• Marc by Marc Jacobs – 693343 – Black Wood Slide wedge sandal – $195.00
• Marc by Marc Jacobs – 693976 – White Patent Cork Wedge Sandal – $340.00

Matt Bernson

Matt Bernson and Tribeca studio make happy shoes for happy people in fun, quirky and colorful styles, all made environmentally friendly in Brazil. His simple multicolored wedge sandals are great for adventurous world exploration or as beachwear.

If you wish, please go back and read the previous articles to get acquainted with a wide range of quality designers who create the latest trends in quality women’s footwear today.

I have already written a bit about my experiences as a shoe-aholic and my shoe selections as I traveled the world as a journalist and did an awful lot of shoe testing. My final conclusions have been that it is better to invest in One good quality designer shoe than to buy zillions of cheap imitations that often prove to be more than mere shoe annoyances.

For example: I was a lecturer at an Asian university. On one occasion I was stuck in traffic, so I left the taxi and walked, or better said, ran to the nearest metro, then walked the rest of the way. I was wearing a pair of elegant Evening Pumps that I had bought only a week or two before. However, I arrived at the university lecture hall with both shoes in my hand, one heel broken the other so loose I couldn’t stand on it. I ended up, before 150 university students and other professors, delivering my lecture on international culture, barefoot!

Needless to say I have learnt to invest in better quality shoes, because shoes are sometimes more than shoes to a busy woman. They often represent respectability and credibility for a career woman. Not only clothes but shoes make a woman!

Here is the final part of the list of designers who I believe offer high quality shoes and will not disappoint. I have added, where possible, snippets of corporate trivia and facts about their founders just for fun. I also offer you a few suggestions for wedge shoes, because I think a wedge heel is practical, comfortable and stylish for the modern woman. Here is Part VI – Womans Wedge Shoes -from Stuart Weitzman to Vic Matie:

Stuart Weitzman

Stuart Weitzman uses unique materials to create fashion footwear that joins fashion, fit and comfort. His shoes have been seen not only on runways but at the Oscars and the Emmys. His collection of ladies wedge shoes is immense and varied.

Superga Sneakers

Simple, understated sneakers and wedge tennis shoes from Italy for stylish comfort on or off the court.

Theory

Minimalist shoes designs, simple wood wedge sandals, platform wedge shoes and lots of black wedge shoes in sling and strappy styles for day or evening footwear.

• Theory – Sabrina – Brown Croco Wood Wedge Sandal -$295.00
• Theory – Sabrina – Grey Croco Wood Wedge Sandal-$295.00
• Theory – Vella – Black Leather Sling Wedge Sandal – $335.00

Thierry Rabotin

French designer Thierry Rabotin designs shoes to make the ladies feel as if they’re walking barefoot. I would say his shoes are “sensible shoes” with a twist.

• Thierry Rabotin – Nina – Black Suede Slip On Wedge Shoes – $445.00
• Thierry Rabotin – Chacha – Bronze Leather Open Toe Sling Wedge Shoes- $379.00
• Thierry Rabotin – Cass – Black Wedge Open Toe Wedge Shoes – $430.00

Tory Burch

Tory Burch creates colorful, classic and retro-inspired shoes, boots and sandals, and a huge selection od wedge boots, wedge heel sandals and sexy wedge shoes for evening or day. There is also a line of wedge flip-flop sandals in funky designs and colors.

• Tory Burch – Deanna – Black Suede Wedge Boot – $350.00
• Tory Burch – Patti Wedge – Tan Leather Slide – $225.00
• Tory Burch – FlipFlop Wedge – Black Rubber Thong -$55.00

Ugg Australia

Ugg Australia is about comfortable footwear with a large selection of wedge boots for this autumn and fall season.

Vaneli

Inexpensive designer line of ladies pumps and Wedge Shoes in basic style.

• Vaneli For Footnotes – Bamba – Cork Leather Sling Wedge -$84.00
• Vaneli For Footnotes – Dorlisa – Cork Wedge Sandal – $77.00

Vic Matie

Vic Matie wedge boots are all the rage this fall. They are modern, feminine and all Italian leather.