Dazzle your feet with some creative brands that create some snazzy footwear for all occasions. Did we mention that these are all Malaysian?
Your Best Travelling Shoe: Merrack & Co.
Frequent globetrotters, especially fashion-inclined ones will definitely face the dilemma on how to pack their shoes in the suitcase. Footwear can take up a lot of space and fashionistas will understand that bringing only one pair is not enough to match with all your outfits. Cue local footwear brand, Merrack and Co. A company that understands the plight of a fashion lover by designing casual travel-friendly shoes that are easy on the eyes.
The signature trait is the rope soles, synonymous with the espadrille footwear of the Spaniards. The rope soles are designed around cute little flats and sandal that are accented with metallic fabrics and sequin flowers. These soles are made from the natural fibre called ‘jute’ that is biodegradable, durable and breathable; amazing traits to have on your shoes. A bonus is that its shape and size make it easy to store in your luggage bag.
Flats are segregated to the Okinawa, a solid one colour flat or the Cap Front Espadrille with thicker jute soles and come in tantalizing dual tones. Sandal lovers will go gaga over the Capri, made with lamb skin leather in matte and metallic shades, an ideal slip-on for those walks along the boardwalk facing the sea. The Capri also comes in a tasseled version if you want something extra on your ankles.
Shop Them At: Cipela Store, Bangsar Shopping Center • Pret-A-Porter, G Village • Narquirkee, Empire Shopping Gallery • En Pointe, Singapore
Get Them Online: www.merrack.com or www.fashionvalet.com or @Merrackco
Your Best Transition Shoe: Fiqs
High heel wearers understand that wearing your stilettos in the office to match your power suit is empowering but walking back to the LRT after work in it is something one should avoid. The flats by FIQS were incepted from that plight because it is not cute to wear your rubber slippers with that pencil skirt. FIQ’s flats are not only comfortable but portable as well as they fold into each other and come in a satin pouch. The satin pouch is even expandable to perfectly fit your stilettos because who wants to stuff your heels in your tote bag?
The designers of FIQS meticulously thought out their product, down to the material. They wanted to make sure that the transition from the high heels to FIQS flats was nothing but a relief of comfort when you slide your aching feet in. That is thanks to the high-quality cow leather that molds to your feet shape after several wears. Then there is that extra polyurethane foam cushion for shock absorption and all round comfort.
Get Them Online: www.fiqs.co or @fiqs.co
Your Best Fancy Yet Casual Shoe: Nelissa Hilman
There is something minimalistic yet refreshingly chic about Nelissa Hilman’s shoes. Her latest collection evokes a cool girl vibe with slip ons, sandals and block heels that can be worn casually or for a special occasion. With the slip on trend in full force and the return of your mother’s classic sling backs, Nelissa Hilman is making waves among the fashionistas and Instagram influencers.
Nelissa started off as an engineer but pursued her love for footwear by enrolling in the POLIMODA Fashion Institute in Florence, Italy. Her brand was introduced in 2012 featuring classic designs that get an injection of youthfulness while playing close attention to craftsmanship.
Though her design aesthetic is simpler, her collaborations with local designers see more risks and vibrancy. She has joined forces with top local brands like Jonathan Liang and recently with Mimpi Kita for a stunning lebaran collection featuring footwear wrapped in satin and adorned with pearls.
Shop Them At: Cuevolution, Publika • Isetan, KLCC • Snackfood Concept Store, Bangsar.
Get Them Online: www.nelissahilman.com or www.fashionvalet.com or @nelissahilman
Your Best Sporty Genderless Shoe: Yoke & Theam
A brand that is built by a sister team, Yoke & Theam is giving your sporty sandals a 21st- century update that transcends gender. Unique and versatile are what come to mind especially with their popular designs like the minimalist Harajuku Picabo sandal or the strappy athletic Serena sandal.
Malaysian-born Yokie and Yoke Sin merged their love of art and design with their family’s legacy of shoemaking that has spanned 30 years. The Yoke & Theam brand, named after their family names was created in 2015 with a factory in Ipoh, Perak producing hand-crafted shoes.
Strap them on after yoga class or pair it with an athleisure outfit, Yoke & Theam’s sandals are every cool girl’s staple footwear. Stunning new designs are introduced this year like their flatforms called the Hayley that plays with colour blocking and metallic detail. This Spring Summer 2017 collection even sees some kitten heels like the Emily with added detachable laces to ribbon around your ankles.
Shop Them At: Robinsons Department Store, The Gardens
Get Them Online: www.yokeandtheam.com or www.zalora.com.my or @yokeandtheam
