Oscar de la Renta Shoes Pre-Fall 2011

Having consistently set the bar for polished daywear and utterly refined evening dazzlers, Oscar de la Renta is looking to build his accessories business. His first target? Shoes. In a preview of his brand’s newly-revamped collection of shoes–starting with Pre-Fall 2011 shipping late next summer–de la Renta also formally introduced his two new hires: Alexia Aubert, director of design for footwear and a protégé of Pierre Hardy and Christian Louboutin, and my good friend Annelie Hofstrom, a 13-year veteran Manolo Blahnik veteran who’s now de la Renta’s executive vice president of footwear. With that winning combo, all I can say is: watch out!

At first look, the shoes retain the elegance de la Renta’s shoes have come to be known for (progress doesn’t happen overnight, after all); but with Aubert’s cutting-edge expertise and eye (she’s a sharpshooter, that one), give it one or two more seasons. Blockbusters are guaranteed. For pre-fall, there were already some noticeable differences in the shoes–the most obvious of which was the introduction of a rubber sole. Yes, a rubber sole. On an Oscar de la Renta shoe. Clearly, the idea that all of his well-heeled ladies have drivers harks back to the era of Nancy Reagan; with modern times come modern modes of transport–and de la Renta is adapting to his ladies’ needs. And, as his rhinestone-embedded heels can attest to, he’s looking to have some fun, too. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s a new “Oscar” loafter that is a women’s take on the classic Belgian loafer that de la Renta himself wears almost everyday. But my favorite? Without a doubt the black satin pump with embellished toe detail. Ladies, start planning your 2011 holiday outfits!