I can't sleep; instead, I am dreaming of divine shoes...

Laurence Decade... Parisian Shoe Designer Extraordinaire..

Laurence Decade bought her first pair of shoes at the age of 14- a pair of red and blue striped ballets pumps which had a big bow on them- and so began her enduring love affair with shoes.

I love Laurence Decade footwear.. it is everything that good shoes should be. Sexy, classy, well made, a bit quirky, and heart stoppingly stylish!!

The designs differ quite a bit from season-to-season because Decade is influenced by 'cultures of all women from around the world'. She travels a lot and often contemplates how a collection will take place whilst she is milling about in an airport, or a train station.

She is very cute and 'Parisian': she regards shoes as a 'family'- thereby justifying the lack of cohesion in her collections- some are tall and slim, others short and chunky; however, like a family they are all related and live under the same roof!! I love this quote, it is so 'French'!!!

In true French fashion, Decade's collections are sexy, elegant, and chic. The regular splicing of 'fun' designs throughout the collections keeps things cute, fresh, and upbeat. However, this is not 'fun' in a silly way; this is serious footwear for those who know. Believe me, this lady knows good shoes: she, personally, owns over 500 pairs, and she used to design for Christian Lacroix and Chanel!!

Although her collections differ significantly from season-to-season, and year-to-year; there are 'Decade-isms' identifiable throughout the body of her work. She often uses buttery soft nappa leather, which creates a luxe feel which is at once soft, but also tough. Her range of shoe boots are formidable, and are always finished off with high quality, leather, tasselled laces. She also does a staple range of heeled loafers which are proving to be very popular. These are classically chic and could be worn in many different ways. I came across a patent pair whilst shopping in Liberty. I got to say, for a preppy design, they were pretty sexy!!! All designs are treated to Decade's 'signature: a tiny gold stud placed discreetly on the side of the heel. Very, very cool...

My fave pair, from the pics here, are the first. They are simply superb!!! Black, French lace, high heeled shoe boots with leather tasselled laces????? What is not to love???? There is something a little bit 'wrong' with them, but I think this is why I love them. It would be interesting to see how one would rock the old school, French Madam look?!!!!

On a final note, these shoes are named: 'Jo'. I think it goes without saying, we simply belong together.

xxxxxx