One of my favorite “new” accessories designers is Tabitha Simmons. Not only is she a friend (no bias at all, I swear), but the Vogue stylist and contributing editor, not to mention Dolce & Gabbana stylist, is one of the few women in the industry that possesses a truly unique sense of style. For fall, Tabitha told me, in her intrinsically British wit, that her inspiration was to take different elements of a bootie and smash them together. And then cover it in velvet. “I also wanted to get rid of platforms and introduce the kitten heel,” she said, “with a black caviar beaded bow.”
Two of my favorite pieces from the fall collection are the haircalf ankle boot and the suede wedge pump. The former features natural haircalf from France integrated with elastic for a snug, pull-on style, fit. I love the hidden platform coupled with the leather sole with rubber insets for traction. The latter, meanwhile, are uniquely Tabitha. The tasseled laces combined with the raised, tongue-like backstay create a backward Oxford effect that is quirky and eccentric. It’s not a shoe for every woman, but for those in the know, it’s a must-have.
The collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman & www.bergdorfs.com