We all have our favorite designers, of course.  One girl may worship Prada shoes, while another goes crazy for Coach.  But no matter our favorites, I don’t think any of us can deny those few designers that stand out as truly special.  Their shoes are perfection—works of art.  And because of it, they’re the biggest names in the shoe industry.

Artful Style: Manolo Blahnik

Ten or twenty years ago, Manolo Blahnik was a relative unknown to all but the most devoted shoe lovers. Then Sex in the City came along, and Carrie Bradshaw’s love for this unusual designer brought his name to the forefront of the shoe industry.  Sometimes called the “fifth star” of Sex and the City, Manolo’s amazing statement shoes aren’t just for Hollywood A-Listers anymore—now they’re available to us mere mortals, as well.

If you’ve never owned a pair of Manolos, you’re missing out on some incredible shoes.  Manolos never go out of style, and they never get boring or old.  Why? Because they’re statement shoes—works of art.  You don’t buy a pair of Manolos to go with your favorite new dress… instead, you buy a new dress to go with your Manolos.  With bold, over the top shapes and unusual, artful details, they’re just that kind of shoe.  Manolo Blahniks are for women who want to be seen… and maybe even stared at.

Understated Elegance: Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin began his career as a shoe designer in the 1980’s… and it wasn’t easy for him.  He started out in Paris, trying to peddle his designs to women at parties and clubs.  And mostly failing.  One day, he was looking at one of his new completed designs, thinking something was missing, when he saw the girl with him was painting her nails red.  He grabbed the nail polish from her hand and painted the soles of the shoes with it… and history was made.

Christian Louboutin shoes are perfect for the woman who wants to ooze sex appeal, but also sophistication.  Understated and elegant, each shoe is a piece of perfection.  The designs and shapes are unique and timeless, and every one gives off an impossible-to-place impression of sultry, subtle sex appeal. If you want to look gorgeous, you grab a pair of Louboutins.

Feminine Cool: Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo was born into a family of shoemakers in Penang in 1961, and made his first shoe at the age of 11.  So you could say that he was a natural.  In the 1990’s he was living in London and working as a couture shoe maker when he was discovered by a Vogue UK editor, Tamara Mellon.  Using Choo’s amazing designs and craftsmanship, she founded Jimmy Choo Shoes in 1996.  And while Choo himself is no longer with the company (though he still does some designs) the spirit of Jimmy Choo shoes has always remained the same: quality statement shoes that are easy to wear.

Jimmy Choos are for women who want to combine style and comfort.  Each shoe is designed as much (okay, almost as much) for easy wear-ability as it is style.  And with simple, feminine designs combined with surprising details, such as a stripe of animal print, beveled jewel detailing, or bold, unexpected colors, each Jimmy Choo makes a statement.