As footwear editors, the FN fashion team gives ourselves away at press previews pretty quickly. At the minimum of 10 weekly appointments we have “on the market” (industry-speak for visiting designer showrooms), we’re the ones who are crouched down trying to capture a shoe’s best attributes, making a mess as we rejumble shoes on shelves or examining them from every angle.
Let’s just say there is a fair bit more man-handling involved when it comes to footwear. And we’re always looking for that elusive combo of design innovation or ingenuity meets faultless execution.

As fashion director, I try to always keep my eyes open and go to each of these meeting without preconceived notions that I will love or hate the offering. I also realize that not everyone is wearing designer shoes, but I do firmly believe that we need those luxury shoe designers to boldly experiment and help point the way for the mass brands to follow.

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Thus, we snap every shoe worthy of note and often refer back to them when it comes to upcoming shoots, stories or, very often, recommendations for friends and colleagues who just want a cool new pair for ______ occasion/outfit/mood.

Here are some memorable styles from a whirlwind few weeks on our never-ending footwear talent search.