We ask leading shoe designers, Tamara Mellon, Guiseppe Zanotti, Bruno Frisoni, Francesco Russo and Brian Atwood for tips on how to tackle the skyscrapers
We will be the first to admit: while heels lengthen your legs, give unprecedented height (and incidentally, confidence), they aren't always the most comfortable of footwear. But the shoe designs of today are simply too beautiful to resist and constantly evolving into new must-have items: thigh-high boots, Swarovski-encrusted, designer collaborations, ankle boots, extreme stilettos are only a few of the trends we have come across this year.
Responsible for this inherent lust for shoes, we ask some of the leading shoe designers in the fashion world such as Guiseppe Zanotti, Bruno Frisoni, Francesco Russo and Brian Atwood for tips on how to walk in heels and what defines a sexy pair of shoes.
1. Francesco Russo, designer at Sergio Rossi
On how to walk in heels: The key is to wear a pair of shoes that fits nicely. Shoes are made to walk in. It changes the posture and enhances a mood and attitude. It's important to select your heels according to the height that makes you feel comfortable. Sergio Rossi flat and middle heels have the same elegant and daring appeal as the higher ones.
Define a sexy shoe: A dream product; a daring shoe; a contemporary classic, where the excitement comes from simple detail.
2. Giuseppe Zanotti, designer at Giuseppe Zanotti
On how to walk in heels: When you buy a new pair of heels, walk up and down the stairs 10 times. Stairs are the most difficult thing, so if you can do stairs, the you can do everything else.
On an ideal shoe: The secret is balance and the proportion of the shoe. Women's feet have incredible proportions, so the design needs to reflect that. It also needs to be light - a woman who feels light is sexy.
3. Bruno Frisoni, designer at Roger Vivier
On how to walk in heels: If you have desire you don't suffer. It is a question of desire.
On choosing a pair of shoes: I like a curve that is very sensual. I love the 50mm heel. It's just like you're walking on air and a sweet look for a woman, not trashy. Anything above 14cm, it's not woman anymore, it's a drag queen.
4. Brian Atwood, designer at Brian Atwood
On how to walk in heels: Practice. Try walking with a book on your head. It'll be difficult at first, but you'll get it. The higher the heel, the more practice it'll take. Good posture is key.
5. Tamara Mellon, designer at Jimmy Choo
On wearing shoes: I love wearing heels: they accentuate your femininity and give you confidence. But there are some occasions when only flats will do. Really the most important thing is to be comfortable with what you're wearing.
This article was first seen in Hong Kong Tatler's September 2009 issue.