The late Iris Apfel - designer, businesswoman and all-around style icon - summed up how many of us feel about shoes in a few succinct words: “If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything.” She was right of course. Not only can the right shoes make or break an outfit, but the right selection of shoes can provide the base - or the finishing touch - to endless outfit creations to come.
Our fall footwear checklist includes 5 essential styles that will see you through every outfit this season, from casual trainers to smart daytime shoes and evening-ready heels that don’t sacrifice comfort. What do they all have in common? Shoe science.
So, what is shoe science?
Essentially, it’s the idea that all our footwear styles are an extension of our style pillars: flattering, functional + forever. But more specifically, it’s the rigorous research and planning that goes into our footwear, an area where looking great and feeling comfortable are really put to the test.
All our footwear styles, from ballet flats to trainers to heels, are intelligently designed to work for modern life. This not only means flexible materials, cushioned insoles, balanced, block heels and adjustable fastenings, but footwear created with outfit building in mind. Picking colors that match the collection’s clothing and making sure we have the right style shoe to complement the season’s pants shapes and hemlines.
THE 10 SHOE TRENDS DOMINATING FW23
If you’re anything like us (or Bette Midler who was famously quoted saying “with the right footwear one can rule the world”), then you’ll agree that shoes can make or break an outfit. The wrong pair can throw off a carefully curated look and by the same measure pull every element of it together to create a cohesive whole.
While summer months are filled with pedicure appointments, open-toe leather sandals and heeled sandals, fall brings with it a wider range of women’s shoes to consider; boots don’t only come in ankle heights, they’re reaching up higher this season to your knees and even over them to a comfortable mid-thigh point; heels are the same, with sculptural kitten and platform ones vying for attention.
Narrowing down the ones to invest in can be tricky, so we’ve curated an edit of the key trends to wear now and forever.
TO THE POINT
THE AM-PM FLAT
The ultimate flat shoe with AM-PM versatility, our Square Toe Ballerina Flat comes in two easy-styling shades this season: olive and espresso brown. It’s made from Italian calf hair leather that’s sourced from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery, and has a textural finish. Intelligent design details such as a wide-cut topline and subtle insole cushioning mean this style has wear all day - or night - appeal.
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CHISELLED TOE LEATHER ANKLE BOOT
FW23 runways saw the arrival of super-defined pointed toes; razer sharp edges cut a clean line alongside structured tailoring and flowing dresses alike. As much as these striking shapes can be admired from afar, their practicalities and everyday versatility are limited, so our Chiselled Toe Leather Ankle Boot finds a perfect middle ground. It hones the classic silhouette, slimming it in places and creating space in others, to result in something closer to an almond toe with more defined edges.
Proportioned to sit at the perfect length to line up alongside our slightly cropped pants and complement longer dresses and skirts, the ankle height curves in around your ankle while the heel combines the appearance of a block and a more sculptural one whether you view it from the back or the side. In soft white, classic black, a snakeskin print, and smooth suede, there’s a version of this versatile boot to satisfy every taste.
THE REINVENTED SQUARE TOE
THE ELEVATED SNEAKERS
Our Retro Sneakers gets an update this season in the form of a new high-top shape. Available in black and white colorways, this style is made from supple Italian suede sourced from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery. They’re the ultimate choice for adding a polished yet casual finish to everyday looks, from your favorite denim to pared-back suiting.
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KNEE HIGH STRETCH LEATHER BOOT
A.k.a. the footwear answer to every FW outfit. Ergonomically shaped, the square top slopes down from the inside to the outside, following the natural shape of your toes, while the contemporary flared heel reimagines a classic block style. Crafted from innovative stretch Italian leather, the pair comfortably hugs your calves, creating an undisrupted finish and boasts a full spectrum of fall-leaning colors that pair back to our bespoke prints; there’s dark green, chocolate (a versatile neutral that complements black as effortlessly as navy), and deep red.
COMFORTABLE HEIGHT
From achieving the perfect drape through a wide-leg trouser to creating height, a classic heel is a footwear choice we’ll never tire of. What we will and do tire of, though, is the ache in the balls of our feet towards the end of the day. This is where these comfortable heels come into their own
THE OUTDOORSY BOOT
From countryside jaunts to days in the city, our Knee-High Biker Boot is a timeless choice to add an unexpected masculine twist to any look. This pair is expertly made in Italy from oiled leather - a treatment that gives it a rugged look and a durable finish - then features matte-silver hardware. Style them as a contrast to feminine florals or flowing silhouettes.
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PATENT LEATHER MID HEEL
Sitting on a low, flared heel that reimagines a classic block shape in more defined, exaggerated proportions, our Patent Leather Mid Heel is a polished AM-PM solution. It’s shaped with thin ankle straps proportioned to fill the space left by cropped pants or midi dresses and skirts and heroes a classic black or warm toffee hue.
THE MODERN WESTERN
A contemporary take on the classic Western silhouette, this knee-high pair is made from supple leather in a versatile off-white hue. They’re shaped to a tall silhouette that can be worn pushed down for a slouchy look - making them ideal for teaming with different length hemlines. This pair is complete with a sculpted black sole that outlines a chiseled pointed toe and an angled heel.
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CRUSHED VELVET PLATFORM
Lifting hems even further from the ground, our Crushed Velvet Platform boasts an impressive 10cm heel height but thanks to its platform sole the actual pitch is much lower. In a party-ready crushed velvet fabric in either black or deep cabernet, it’s a flattering occasion solution that keeps you on the dancefloor without the need to switch to flats or brave it barefoot.
CITY-TO-COUNTRY CLASSIC
THE PARTY SHOE
Last but not least, add the perfect party shoe to your footwear repertoire to effortlessly complete evening wear looks. Our platform Mary Jane pump delivers the ultimate in go-with-everything and wear-all-night style. Made from supple Italian suede, this style is set on a platform sole and a sturdy block heel - which means the foot isn't as arched - and secures with a crystal-embellished buckle fastening for a subtle glamorous touch.
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CHUNKY CHELSEA BOOT
With the same versatility as your favorite pair of leather sneakers but with a more polished finish, Chelsea boots have been making regular appearances in our FW wardrobes for decades. Originally designed as a riding boot for Queen Victoria who requested that a boot be made that she could easily slip on and off, it’s slowly evolved over time to address changing preferences. Two details have always remained the same, though: the round toe and elasticated panels at the ankles.
The duo meet at our Chunky Chelsea Boot sitting on - as you probably guessed - a chunky rubber sole. Just as suited to city streets as stables, it’s crafted from smooth leather and features handy pull tabs on the inside for ease. The slightly taller ankle height is specifically measured to fill any gaps left by cropped pants, too, pulling together your pick of fall and winter looks
GO WEST
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WESTERN KNEE HIGH BOOT
Americana pieces always find a way to permeate our seasonal trends, from prairie-style dresses to cut-off denim shorts, but the style that’s had the most staying power is undoubtedly the cowboy boot. A regular festival attendee through the summer months and trusty steed throughout autumn and winter’s climes, the style is distinguished by its angled Cuban heel.
Adding an edge to printed shift dresses and leaning into the casual side of light-wash denim, our Western Knee High Boot heroes soft Italian leather and defined lines, from the neatly pointed toe to the extended rand that protects the upper from scuffs.
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WESTERN KNEE HIGH BOOT
Americana pieces always find a way to permeate our seasonal trends, from prairie-style dresses to cut-off denim shorts, but the style that’s had the most staying power is undoubtedly the cowboy boot. A regular festival attendee through the summer months and trusty steed throughout fall and winter’s climes, the style is distinguished by its angled Cuban heel.
Adding an edge to printed shift dresses and leaning into the casual side of light-wash denim, our Western Knee High Boot heroes soft Italian leather and defined lines, from the neatly pointed toe to the extended rand that protects the upper from scuffs.
THE THIGH'S THE LIMIT
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THIGH HIGH STRETCH LEATHER BOOT
While previous seasons have embraced a thigh-high boot in a very fitted silhouette, AW23 is leaning into a more slouchy, laid-back approach. It’s embracing styles that have more give and therefore a more comfortable everyday versatility. In smooth leather with comfortable stretch, our Thigh High Stretch Leather Boot is no exception. Unlocking shorter hemlines throughout colder months, it complements the hems of our mini skirts and shorter dresses while a handy zip on the inside of your ankle makes pulling them off at the end of the day easy.
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THIGH HIGH STRETCH LEATHER BOOT
While previous seasons have embraced a thigh-high boot in a very fitted silhouette, FW23 is leaning into a more slouchy, laid-back approach. It’s embracing styles that have more give and therefore a more comfortable everyday versatility. In smooth leather with comfortable stretch, our Thigh High Stretch Leather Boot is no exception. Unlocking shorter hemlines throughout colder months, it complements the hems of our mini skirts and shorter dresses while a handy zip on the inside of your ankle makes pulling them off at the end of the day easy.
BUSINESS MEETS PLEASURE
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CHUNKY SQUARE TOE LOAFER
Forget borrowed-from-the-boys tailoring, oversized shirting, and blazers, footwear’s obsession is about borrowing from businessmen instead. The unspoken uniform of Wall Street frequenters and city slickers, our iteration of the classic loafer, the Chunky Square-Toe Loafer, introduces a modern edge to tailoring while elevating casual favourites. With the style’s classic penny keeper over the top and a chunky sole that creates subtle height without the need for a heel, it’s a classic yet contemporary pair in an equally classic choice of colours: black or white.
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CHUNKY SQUARE TOE LOAFER
Forget borrowed-from-the-boys tailoring, oversized shirting, and blazers, footwear’s obsession is about borrowing from businessmen instead. The unspoken uniform of Wall Street frequenters and city slickers, our iteration of the classic loafer, the Chunky Square-Toe Loafer, introduces a modern edge to tailoring while elevating casual favorites. With the style’s classic penny keeper over the top and a chunky sole that creates subtle height without the need for a heel, it’s a classic yet contemporary pair in an equally classic choice of colors: black or white.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
If Marie Antoinette declaring, “there is nothing new except what has been forgotten” when shown a design for a dress she thought she’d seen before, proves anything, it’s that fashion has never really stopped borrowing from the past. In the case of AW23, the 60s and 70s are the decades it’s particularly nostalgic for.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
If Marie Antoinette declaring, “there is nothing new except what has been forgotten” when shown a design for a dress she thought she’d seen before, proves anything, it’s that fashion has never really stopped borrowing from the past. In the case of FW23, the 60s and 70s are the decades it’s particularly nostalgic for.
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CRINKLE PATENT LEATHER ANKLE BOOT
To complement autumn’s darker palette, our Deep Cabernet colourway or soft olive covers this Crinkle Patent Leather Ankle Boot. The same shades carry through our bespoke prints and tailoring for cohesive looks while the ankle height is proportioned to complement cropped trouser cuffs. Borrowing cues from the ‘60s, the slightly rounded square toe is akin to those that defined the decade’s go-go boots but the capped finish and the slightly flared block heel achieve a 21st-century look.
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CRINKLE PATENT LEATHER ANKLE BOOT
To complement fall's darker palette, our Deep Cabernet colorway or soft olive covers this Crinkle Patent Leather Ankle Boot. The same shades carry through our bespoke prints and tailoring for cohesive looks while the ankle height is proportioned to complement cropped pant cuffs. Borrowing cues from the ‘60s, the slightly rounded square toe is akin to those that defined the decade’s go-go boots but the capped finish and the slightly flared block heel achieve a 21st-century look.
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70s KNEE HIGH BOOT
What was once the perfect accompaniment to 70s’ bell-bottom trousers and printed maxi skirts has been revamped for 2023 with a stacked effect, leather-covered block heel in a honey tone and squared-off round toe. A.k.a. our 70s Knee High Boot. In soft Italian leather in either olive or black, it unlocks more pieces in your wardrobe, from ankle-grazing to knee-skimming dresses and tucked-in jeans.
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70s KNEE HIGH BOOT
What was once the perfect accompaniment to 70s’ bell-bottom pants and printed maxi skirts has been revamped for 2023 with a stacked effect, leather-covered block heel in a honey tone and squared-off round toe. A.k.a. our 70s Knee High Boot. In soft Italian leather in either olive or black, it unlocks more pieces in your closet, from ankle-grazing to knee-skimming dresses and tucked-in jeans.
CONTEMPORARY COURT SHOE
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CHISEL TOE VELVET SLINGBACK
The pointed toe, the sculptural heel, there’s something so classic about a court shoe, but AW23 revisited this familiar silhouette and reimagined it in contemporary guises. Our Chisel Toe Velvet Slingback sits on a sculptural heel that falls to a circular base and is shaped to a more defined pointed-toe shape. Translated to a slingback fitted with an elasticated strap, it slips on and off comfortably while rubber inserts on the leather sole add grip.
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CHISEL TOE VELVET SLINGBACK
The pointed toe, the sculptural heel, there’s something so classic about a court shoe, but FW23 revisited this familiar silhouette and reimagined it in contemporary guises. Our Chisel Toe Velvet Slingback sits on a sculptural heel that falls to a circular base and is shaped to a more defined pointed-toe shape. Translated to a slingback fitted with an elasticated strap, it slips on and off comfortably while rubber inserts on the leather sole add grip.
THE MODERN MARY JANE
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CRYSTAL VELVET MARY JANE
A theme throughout AW23 collections Fashion Weeks the world over was the grown-up Mary Jane. And while the styles spotted on the catwalks sat on finessed heels, our Crystal Velvet Velvet Mary Jane stays true to the original with a comfortable flat sole - all the better to entertain in when hosting at home. To echo the seasons’ penchant for rich tactility, our pairs are crafted from crushed velvet in soft autumnal neutrals, a classic black and a striking scarlet and are decorated with a line of crystal embellishments over the strap.
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CRYSTAL VELVET MARY JANE
A theme throughout FW23 collections Fashion Weeks the world over was the grown-up Mary Jane. And while the styles spotted on the catwalks sat on finessed heels, our Crystal Velvet Velvet Mary Jane stays true to the original with a comfortable flat sole - all the better to entertain in when hosting at home. To echo the seasons’ penchant for rich tactility, our pairs are crafted from crushed velvet in soft fall neutrals, a classic black and a striking scarlet and are decorated with a line of crystal embellishments over the strap.