Now Shoeing

That Eighties Imeldific story of a former First Lady owning 3,000 pairs of shoes still amuses foreigners, it has become worn-out and utterly boring. Especially for us Filipinos, for whom owning many pairs of shoes is no big deal. This is because our locally-made shoes are so good and so affordable.

Among the Philippine-made shoes, the excellent ones are those by Janilyn, Carbon and Via Venetto (for casual and party wear), Gregg and Itti (for school shoes), and Lila Almario (for wedding shoes).

As for the good foreign brands, establishments like Rustan’s, Stores Specialists Inc., Wish and Mix have made these more accessible to us Pinoys.

And what’s the latest in shoe biz? Here are shopping tips to keep you one step ahead.

FERRAGAMO says it’s a cool season for boots and pumps, aptly matching its fashion collection for the season. Its knitwear features jacquards and grosgrain, worn with straight pants tucked into knee-high, lace-up hunting boots – or with men’s style lace-up shoes in cognac or suede boots with leather-lined heels. ’Tis also a season for velvet, leather and enamel, perhaps boldly combined with chiffon.

For men, it’s a time for seriously polished soft leather for dressy affairs. And loafers and boots to match the forest green, khaki and chestnut brown clothes of the season.

LOUIS VUITTON continues its whimsical mood as more designers give this much-revered brand a modern touch. Now comes Japanese artist Takashi Murakami with his Cherry Blossom design for an evening line. Looking luxurious is the pink or brown monogram silk satin bringing an even softer touch to the ballerina shoe. Other brands like Chanel and Manolo Blahnik have done their versions of the ballerina shoes. But this one by LV is the most playful so far!

For travel fun, there’s LV’s ankle boots in pink or black patent leather, and the "S" lock calfskin riding boot, which reminds us of LV’s pricey trunks. LV shoes are the more affordable wares. Louis Vuitton is located at 6750 Ayala Avenue, but is moving to the new Greenbelt 4 next month.

CARBON was a best-kept secret among bag and shoe lovers until word quickly spread around about its beautifully bold bags and shoes in natural leather. The amusing thing about this shop is that most of its wares come in black (hence, the Carbon label), which only proves that black is truly the most popular color when it comes to bags and shoes.

Raul Francisco is the genius behind this label which is always in step with the season’s edgiest trends. Carbon’s bags are mostly utilitarian, with all the must-have compartments to store an urbanite’s necessary gadgets. But its footwear line is designed for fashion indulgence. No wonder Carbon is a fave of many fashionistas.

Customers can get discount cards. Inquire at Carbon stores at the ground floor of Greenbelt 3 and the 3rd level of Shangri-La Plaza EDSA Mall.

VIA VENETTO is one of the most comfortable Pinoy-made shoes we know, and the credit belongs to super shoemaker Ging Pajaro. For three decades now, Ging has been making shoes for both casual and party wear, and she surely knows her leathers and shoe lasts.

For this holiday season (the "ber" months are here!), Via Venetto also offers Italian footwear by Vicini, mixing crystals and semi-precious stones with classic chic.

Via Venetto is located at Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 1, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall A and SM City Annex North EDSA.

NATURALIZER is a fave of travelers who value comfort and low-key luxury.

Its eternal classic designs are matched with a comfy rubber outsole, perfect for taking fast-marching women through their journeys with grace.

Naturalizer stores are located at the Glorietta 3 in Ayala Center, Commerce Mall in Alabang Town Center, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell, Robinsons Place Manila, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu and SM City

Davao.

The First Footwear Design Competition was recently sponsored by the City Government of Marikina and the Marikina Council of Fashion, with technical assistance from the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP). The contest aimed to generate new design concepts that may boost the Philippine footwear industry.

Many interesting, creative entries came in, proving that we have such design expertise only waiting to be tapped. Let’s have more contests like this.

For inquiries, call the PDDCP at 832-1112 to 18.