Well-Heeled

CEBU, Philippines - If I could ask Mother Nature to make it rain something else other than water, I'm not going to ask her to make it rain men. After all, what fun is that? Instead, I'm probably asking her to make it rain shoes!

There are bag hags and then there are those who simply go gaga for shoes. I'd like to say I'm more of the latter. Don't get me wrong. I love bags. But I don't love bags as much as I love shoes. In fact, I can't remember the last time I actually went shopping for a bag because I prefer borrowing my mother's bags rather than investing in my own collection.

It's the shoes that give shopping its capital S. You can chuck out all other things on your shopping list if you happen to be on a tight budget for as long as you don't crash out "shoes". 

With summer unbelievably over, we look towards a slight shift in wardrobe, particularly in footwear. It's finally time to give our Havs a break and trade them in for their sexier and foxier cousins, the heels. Okay, so people may have started telling you that heels are unhealthy and impractically painful. But baby, take it from me, it pays to suffer a little bit for the sake of vanity – just so long as you don't get yourself killed in the process of doing so.

As we prepare our feet for the things to come, here are a couple of shoe giants that are bound to make people look down – for a good reason.

Christian Louboutin

Ah yes, the girls of Sex and the City are among the reasons why this baby eventually became a household name and a must-have for every fashionista. In the Philippines, La Greta became closely identified with this brand for her vast collection of Louboutins, never mind the price tag.

When Louboutin was first launched in 1992, everyone had a gut feel that this brand would simply explode. And it did. In fact, it's a shame not to find a Louboutin in a true fashionista's shoes collection. There's just something about that hint of red sole that makes every woman's heart race with excitement and flutter with lust.

For Fall, Louboutin will bring in an incredibly diverse serving of shoes. From pairs oozing in glitz and glamour, to power heels that speak of style and ultimate chicness to stand-out numbers that are show-stopping and gaudy, Louboutin has got every occasion this second half of the year covered.

Louboutin will serve up clean-cut court shoes for the alpha female set to rock the boardroom from nine to five. Wild chicks will also have their share of leaopard prints and pewter studding. Head turners might want to check out pairs in shocking colors, as well. Whatever your preference, Louboutin most likely has it in his treasure trove of style. All you need to do is to ask.

Nicholas Kirkwood

You are a head turner, a trendsetter. You are avante-gard. You do not settle for basic cuts and shapes. Instead, you deviate from the mainstream and venture into fashion's tierra incognito with as much sass and style as is needed. When it comes to shoes, you'll definitely want to have a pair of Kirkwood in your collection.

Nicholas Kirkwood has long been known for creating signature shapes when it comes to footwear. These are the shapes that have influenced many a fashion style far and wide. These are the shapes that have often been copied and cheapened just to ride on the popularity of the architectural explosion that is the Kirkwood. 

Kirkwood's collection will take you anywhere from reinterpreting staple shapes with a bit of feminine lace, bold pops of color and digital prints. Combination of textures are even reimagined as later on we will see how the classic pump is deconstructed, only to be put together again in half snakeskin, separated by a cutaway strip.

One word for Kirkwood: crazy. Or make it two words: crazy beautiful.