Omelle: Fresh Luxury For The Footwear Obsessed

Los Angeles-based designers Cherise Angelle and Nicole LaFave have put their collective visions together to birth a line of shoes that is sculptural, fresh and inspired. Angelle is a former luxury product placement specialist and LaFave a graphic designer (who was a top finalist at the BATA-sponsored 2007 International Shoe Design Competition), making them a footwear dream team.

Their debut at WSA featured a palette of saturated neutral colors, encompassing a spectrum from white to nude, grey, lavender and black—all crafted in rich, supple leathers. Made in Italy, their earthy wooden geometric heels are made from original designs that also include contrasting details like gold plating. This juxtaposition between soft and hard elements offers an intriguing new look at what luxury footwear can be.

Their line also includes soft, gently pointed-toe ballet flats, gladiators with velcro fastenings and hexagonal one-inch heels, towering stiletto sandals with cone heels and circular cutout patterns. Though directional, these designs are also extremely wearable and will serve as a perfect complement to the chunky jewelry and bold accessories for Spring '09. Of course, they're also ideal staples for daily fashion rotation.

For more information, see www.omelle.com.

—Meghan Cleary