It takes a genuinely forward-thinking designer to integrate a sense of the unique and unusual into a classic pump, without completely reconfiguring it. Nicholas Kirkwood is one of the few. While some of his shoes tread unabashedly into the avant-garde, it’s actually his takes on the traditional that really catch my eye.
Like this leather and lace pump. There’s nothing crazy about it, but the overall effect is crazy-gorgeous. Set on a perfectly feminine shape, standing at 5” with right mix of roundness and strength, this is simply a timeless, classic beauty that has a few modern enhancements (but not the Hollywood bodies kind). The island platform presents an updated feel; mixed materials are equally fresh. An Art Deco-ish overlay of black lace over nude leather creates a hypnotic effect that somehow won’t compete with other bold wardrobe elements. You work these with a new pair of slenderly cut jeans or a Roland Mouret dress. Go elegant or sensual or both at once. Nicholas makes his own rules – and so should you. At Saks Fifth Avenue
Pair with: Like by doubling up on your lace with a pair of – shocker! – navy pants. Philosophy di Alberta Ferreti’s cropped pants are partially lined for a sexy peek-a-boo effect, and they’ll be an unexpected yet surprisingly fluid choice for these pumps. At Bergdorf Goodman
