The development of the shoemaking last. Today, we are used to seeing a pair of lasts, closely resembling a left and right foot. However, as late as the 1850s, most shoes were made on absolutely straight lasts, with no recognisable difference between the two shoes. Generally, two. Shoe-last design exploration and customization. There is a trend toward extensive collection of individual customer data and the footwear industry is no exception. And development.
By Far
Founded in 2016 by twin sisters, Valentina Bezuhanova and Sabina Gyosheva alongside their best friend Denise Bumbarova, this Bulgarian accessory brand’s products continue to flood our Instagram feeds. With its minimalist, “millennial” aesthetic, By Far’s array of strappy sandals and geometric bags continuously sell out - signing that consumer demand shows no signs of slowing down. Frequently worn by prominent fashion influencers and tastemakers, the brand's square toe sandals and boots are must-haves for every fashion-forward woman’s wardrobe. Due to their simple and clean lines in a variety of colors, from neutrals and animal prints to metallics and neons, these pieces are versatile and are sure to pair perfectly with nearly any summer outfit.
In one of the hottest prints of the season, shop these sleek snakeskin slingbacks to add elevate your warm-weather ensemble.
Update your go-to nude heel with this open-toe mule version. Pair with your favorite jumpsuit or maxi dress for a simple and chic look that seamlessly transitions from day-to-night.
Cult Gaia
Established by Jasmin Larian Hekmat in 2012, the brand started as a handbag line and is most well-known for its signature Ark bag. With its half-moon-shaped silhouette and bamboo construction, this accessory can be found all over Instagram and enabled the brand to break into the fashion mainstream. Following the Ark bag’s success, Hekmat launched more staple handbags, including the equally Instagram-friendly, circular “Luna” handbag and ready-to-wear. After gaining a foothold in these two product categories, in May 2018, Cult Gaia created its first shoe collection in partnership with Net-a-Porter. Since this collaboration, fortunately, the brand has solidified its shoe offering and now is available across retailers. With their sleek array of flats, mules, and sandals, you’re sure to find at least one versatile pair that suits your personal style.
A casual take on the barely-there sandal trend, this beige version for a perfect everyday summer shoe.
Sophisticated and versatile, shop these sleek slides for an effortlessly put-together look.
Kalda
In 2016, Icelandic designer, Katrin Alda Rafnsdottir founded Kalda after graduating from the London College of Fashion. With all of its products handmade in Portugal, the brand prides itself on its sustainability-centric ethos and distinctive design aesthetic. Arguably most well-known its shoes’ signature spiral heels, the contemporary footwear label offers a modern twist on classic footwear styles. From boots to mules and sandals, explore Kalda’s various offerings to elevate your everyday look.
Brighten up your look with this versatile and of-the-moment slingback style. Wear with tailored Bermuda shorts and a silk button-up blouse for an outfit that's suitable for nearly any occasion.
For a subtle statement, add some intrigue to your daily uniform with this neutral spiraled-heel mules.
For a minimalist take on the color block trend, shop these heeled sandals to refresh your casual summer evening ensemble.
Neous
Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, the footwear label believes that one should not have to sacrifice function when wearing fashionable footwear. Since the brand’s inception in 2016, Neous quickly solidified its success in the contemporary shoe market. In the first season, the brand acquired five stockists, despite its limited styles. The following season, Neous started to sell its products on Net-a-Porter and has enjoyed rapid growth ever since. Designed for the“modern realist,” the brand prides itself on producing shoes that are meant to last, creating durable and timeless designs.
From Neous’ signature architectural heels to their sleek minimalist designs, it is easy to why the London-based brand was nominated for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund this year. Discover some of their best styles for the season below to buy them before they’re gone.
Elevate your traditional mule with this sculptural-heeled version to add intrigue to any outfit.
Refresh your black sandal collection with these timeless slingbacks that are sure to look great this season and for those to come.
Yuul Yie
It’s no secret that Asian footwear brands are taking the Western fashion world by storm, and Yuul Yie’s designs continue to dominate among fashion tastemakers across the globe. Founded in 2010 by Sunyuul Yie, the South Korean-based label prides itself on its unique and unexpectedly elegant designs. From its color-blocked mules to pearl-heeled boots, Yuul Yie’s distinct aesthetic is trendy yet timeless, thoughtful, daring, and undeniably chic.
Elevate any ensemble with these attention-grabbing shoe styles for the ultimate summer style statement.
For a versatile yet attention-grabbing shoe, that provides extra height with maximum comfort, experiment these black and white chunky-heeled slingbacks.
Add some shine to your everyday look and test out two trends in one with these metallic kitten heels.