11 Mar 2009

It Takes Two

Previously an outsider in the world of designer footwear, 2009 has signalled the much deserved coming of age for Brazilian shoe label 'Melissa' with two high profile collaborations with Brit queen of punk style, Vivienne Westwood, and Iraqi/British architect, Zaha Hadid.

Known for her wild footwear, perhaps most famously the sky scrapper platforms that a young Naomi Campbell fell over in on the catwalk, Vivienne might have been an obvious collaborator, but, to me at least, her designs are unexpected. If you're expecting post-punk Dr Marten style boots, or stilt like platforms, you might be shocked by Vivienne's lady like heels and pumps. Part of Vivienne's Anglomania label, these shoes comes in four styles, heart detail 'Lady Dragon' heels, t-bar Mary Jane's (shown in green and fuchsia), three strapped flats, (shown in blue), and 'ultragirl' peep toe pumps, (shown in red). All the styles come in a variety of colour combinations, here are my favourite, but for the full range check out the Melissa collection.










































While Vivienne's shoes are undeniably gorgeous, (I'm in love with those white heels with the red heart), Zaha Hadid' s are also incredible. A visionary architect, whos most famous projects include the Bridge Pavilion in Zaragoza, the Rosenthal Centre for Contemporary Art in Ohio, and the Phaeno Science Centre in Wolfsburg, Zaha Hadid is one of the few high profile women in the world of architecture, and certainly the most fashionable. The influence of her deconstructivist architectural style is obvious in her designs, with each shoe looking as fascinating and futuristic as the buildings that have no doubt inspired them. I love the fact that these shoes propose an interesting marriage between fashion and industrial design, but at the same time are incredibly wearable, not to be left unworn in a box, like Hadid's architectural works, these shoes are for living in. And, lets face it, how cool would it be to walk down the street wearing a piece of cutting edge architecture with your jeans?
















So futuristic, so brilliantly cool, just beware when wearing them in the sun: side effects may include bizarre tan lines.

36 comments:

this wheel's on fire said...

really cool!!
p.s. i think keith richards was, is, and always will be good looking. the man can do no wrong!!

Alecca Rox said...

(needless to say, i want them all)

oniomania said...

hey thanks for visiting my blog... love the name of yours "clothes before hoes" it put a smile on my face.

Karen said...

oh thank you i love the houndstooth patterns! i bought some more today!

i lvoe those vivienne westwood jelly shoes, when i first saw them i fell in love with the ones with the hearts!!

- Karen
www.acupofvogue.blogspot.com

Ellie said...

Okay, the Lady Dragon heels are pretty fantastic.

Samantha said...

amazing shoes!!!!
i love the name of your blog lol =^.^=

Annabel Wendt (LoveMore) said...

oh how cool! i can't wait to see if these really take off or not..my favs are the ones with the buckles :)

wishing you some warmer weather from australia honey!

love LM xxx

Black Patent Stilettos said...

Thanks for stopping by hun.

I heart the name of your blog. Those shoes are come in such fun colours!

<3 blackpatentstilettos.blogspot.com

Laura. said...

thanks for the blog comment :)

i need those viv - melissa shoes with the red heart!!!!!

http://aforteforfashion.blogspot.com

Kiki said...

ive been eyeing melissa shoes for a couple of years now...not sure how comfortable they would be...bit sweaty maybe??...i think i will just appreciate them as art...

Georgie said said...

Thank you for commenting on my blog, I adore the first shoes with the love heart on them. Although I'm not so sure about the futuristic look of them all.
x

Stina said...

The melissa shoes with the red heart are super cute. I've never seen anything like them! It's nice to see something refreshing.

Syed said...

Yes, yes and more yes, these are so amazing! Lol and tan lines on that last design might be a bit trixy.

Mirka said...

the blue shoe with red heart is adorable xx

Elizabeth Victoria Clark said...

those jellies are so cute for summer
i love the futuristic ones at the end
xxx

Evie Stothert said...

the vivienne westwood 'melissa' jelly shoes are excellent, great post! x

Baybay Mama said...

i kind of like them. they really remind me of the jelly shoes i wore in the 80's

Tina { Luphia Loves... } said...

the collection is amazing isn't, i really want a pair of the flat ones (1st collection), loving your new profile picture, is your t-shirt/shirt from Topshop? I think i have the same one, in purple, green & navy! :) yes i love that top

Ella Gregory said...

I like the first pair with the heart detail.

Niviarsiaq said...

I love the first and last two pairs. Both are totally awesome!
You're right that last pair would give you really wierd tan lines!

Natalie J Monty said...

Your blogs HOTT!

Love these shoes! Luckily they sell them in a store like literally 5mins away from where I live so I don't have to go far to getting a look at them. Love the first two pairs and the 2nd from last pair.
xxx

E said...

Oh I love the VW-wannabes!

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

That last pair I really love. I have stigmas against plastic shoes though...I wonder if they hurt to wear.

Juan Andres said...

Melissas + VW + Part 2= Perfection!

Kati said...

They're just too cute!!

laraspermata said...

the last picture is awsome!! but i think they're too pricey.. anw, i love your blog! you wanna exchange links? let me know :)

laras.

giggleness said...

i love the ones with the heart. :)

- said...

jelly shoes are very uncomfortable!!!! I have a pair of marc jacobs and although I love them they are very warm for summer

Frankie said...

Old Viv never misses a beat! By the way, that picture of you is adorable! x

Styleseeking Zurich said...

verrry unique items!!!~
have a wonderful weekend!

MiJi

Ellie Lee said...

LOVE those heels with the HEARTS! SO PRETTY!

AND those futuristic slip ons are just so rad! LOL!

gybe ♥ said...

vivienne's shoes are gorgeous !!!
i love them all :' D

Unknown said...

I love the Melissa collaborations. I like the white Vivienne Westwood flats with the high buckles, so yummy! x

Anonymous said...

Vivienne Westwood is always surpraising...you never know what's next! She may be edgy and still classy....perfection.

SOS! said...

i bought the 3 buckle one and another glitter transperent pair...so comfy..
xx-LJ from SOS!

Zoƫ said...

i want the pink ones
it looks like candy
i want to eat them