So a while back I wrote about how in love I am with Davis by Ruthie Davis and the shoes in the collection (in spite of her being a major contributor to the creation and popularity of Uggs). I haven't had the opportunity to buy any of her shoes but I did have nice conversation with her about buying some because the I love the Barcelona heel on this shoe so much.
I mean, look at it. It's like a shiny cold skyscraper for your foot. I would have snapped them up in a hot minute but I don't like the chain on the front, so I'm holding out for next year hoping she'll do a closed toe, non-chain version with this same heel.
Anyhow, I was all impressed with the architecture of her designs, but again, trolling vintage shoes on eBay I've found a possible inspiration piece for Ms. Davis. Check these babies out:
Umm.... hello! Look at that heel. Metal. Check! Monolithic. Check! Kick-ass. Check! Plus there is the added benefit of the chain attaching shoe and heel.Who created these beauties from the 80's? Why Mr. Pierre Hardy!
Now, I'm not going to lie and say, "Oh, yes, Pierre Hardy. I've been following his career for ages, Darling. Why, in grade school all I would wear were Pierre Hardy designs, blah, blah, BLAH!" No, no, no, I can be honest. I didn't immediately recognize the name, but boy, I should have. Mnsr. Hardy has designed for some of the best of them before heading out on his own to do his own line of shoes and bags (he appears to be a Bag Snob fav-or-ite). He designed for Balenciaga and Hermes and is known mostly in the fashion industry for reviving the House of Dior's shoe collection in the late 1980's - right around the time period of the shoes above.I went to his site and found an amazing collection of gorgeous shoes that I am instantly coveting. I'm a greedy biotch, I know!
Perfect shape. Perfect color.
More blue suede but with futuristic heel. Cool.
I love this heel. Love it.
How crazy are these? But the black keeps them in line. 
Weren't orbs popular this year? I love that these are all gold and metallic-y but in a classy good way, not crap materials.
These are why I knew Pierre Hardy! I totally saw these on Style.com and thought they were awesome- great colors, great embellishment, mod, retro, striking, unique. How many more adjectives can I throw out there. These are like investing in great art - but you get to wear them out and show them off.Much more practical than some giant painting or sculpture. Hmm... maybe I should try and track these down.By the way - I think you should go and get those shoes above on eBay. They don't fit me (damn!) so they need a good home.
As is probably very very apparent, I have a serious love affair with shoes. And what I love the most is the endless variety and the limitless inventiveness of the designers. Sure, some are fashion monstrosities, but at least they're in there coming up with something new. I think that is one of the reasons why everyone gets so upset when there are blatant copies being put out by some designers. On to more fun topics! I wanted to talk about a new (to me anyways) designer that I viewed today - Davis by Ruthie Davis. Miss Davis has quite the interesting background working as a "cool hunter" for Reebok, Vice President of Women's Footwear Design and Marketing at Tommy Hilfiger and, sadly, claiming to be responsible for the UGG boot popularity.We'll try to forgive her for that because I'm in love with her collection.If I were to design a line of shoes, mine would be the complete antithesis of these shoes. And that is why I love them. I love a huge range of styles and these fit me just as a more girly whimsical style would. I especially admire the industrial material and the extremely architectural modern nature of her shoes. They look uber-sexy and strong. I'm sure like the women wearing them.
These have stretchy band for the mary jane and a very eye-catching chrome insert in the heel.
The view from the back of the heel is the epitome of the level of detail that I tend to swoon over. The metallic core showcased albeit subtly.
And who says formal shoes need to be satin, safe and (sometimes) boring. These could be a bit excessive what with the Swarovski crystal heel, but I think the industrial strap material, chrome insert and deep red patent make them rocker glam. I could see these paired with a short leather dress and dramatic smokey eyes. 
The same way the chrome toughens up the shoes above, it sets these loafers apart. I also like how the studs on the back reinforce the insert. It's like wearing something racy to the country club.
Okay, I just need these. I love t-straps and the shape on these is perfect. The chrome and the heel push them over the top.
And if the chrome inserts weren't enough on all of those above, look at the amazing shape on this Barcelona heel. Stacked platform peep-toe paired with chunky chrome silver heel. H-O-T!
I would be willing to take on the care and wearing of any of these shoes. Please send to the attention of Princess Poochie. Thank you from the management.
