Before his eponymous label had the likes of Kim Kardashian and Rihanna as loyal clientele, Azzedine Alaia started out as an apprentice. The French Tunisian designer traces his roots to his days shadowing Christian Dior and Thierry Mugler, whose influences you can observe in Alaia's pieces to this day.
Leather is molded into precise shapes and edges, while knits are inventively used to create distinct silhouettes. These style cues are showcased best through their lineup of shoes. Classic models such as heels and ballet flats are given a playful spin either through form or color. The results scream sophistication, a characteristic akin to a well-established atelier. For a run-down of the best steppers the brand has to offer, check out our list below.
The Best Alaia Shoes to Shop
1. Shark Pumps
Alaia's interpretation of the classic pump gets a fun touch thanks to the curved heel, which, you guessed it, resembles a Shark's fin. The tip is extra pointy for a dash of sexiness.
Shark Pumps in Calfskin, $1270 (approximately P70,218.30), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
2. Bombe Sandals
The Bombe sandal perfectly hugs one's ankles with its embellished strap. Rather than regular jewels, spherical and pyramid-shaped studs are used to give the stilleto a more unique design.
Bombe Sandals in Patent Calfskin, $1120 (approximately P61,924.80), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
3. Le Coeur Mules
Perhaps one of the brand's most well-known originals is the Le Coeur a.k.a. heart mules. The leather tip of the pump is shaped just like the symbol of love, sure to enamor anyone who lays their eyes on it.
Le Coeur Mules in Patent Calfskin, € 948 (approximately P59,557.15), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
4. Cabaret Pumps
Life is indeed a cabaret with these heels. You won't be standing on your own feet with this pair, as the gold metallic heels are fashioned after a Parisian dancer's legs. Ooh la la!
Cabaret Pumps in Patent Calfskin, $1500 (approximately P82,934.25), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
5. Ziggy Ankle Boots
Alaia applies its signature vienne knit pattern to an ankle boot, imparting a novel and partly exposed exterior to the fall/winter staple. The block heel is curved inwards to hark back to their Shark Pumps.
Ziggy Ankle Boots in Lambskin, $1600 (approximately P88,463.20), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
6. Le Coeur Sandals
Of course, even a pair of heeled sandals gets a dose of lovin' from Alaia. The metallic heart placed onto the mid-strap of this pair makes it the perfect shoe for an al fresco date. The modest block heel won't be too hard to walk on either!
Le Coeur Sandals in Lambskin, $960 (approximately P53,077.92), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
7. Fishnet Wedge Sandals
Speaking of the outdoors, these wedges are the perfect pair of steppers for a yacht ride or any beachside affair. The 14cm cork platform not only adds a nautical touch but also gives an extra height boost.
Wedge Sandals in Fishnet, $1070 (approximately P59,159.77), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
8. Fishnet Ballet Flats
The maison's rendition of the ballet flat utilizes their distinct net weaving technique. Easy to put on and breezy on the feet, it's an edgy take on a feminine silhouette.
Ballet Flats in Fishnet Black, $890 (approximately P49,319.79), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
9. Criss Cross Ballet Flats
If you're looking for something more appropriate for strolls around the city (in other words, something that won't have your toes exposed,) the Criss Cross Ballet Flats are the way to go. The X-shaped strap makes all of the difference!
Criss Cross Ballet Flats in Patent Calfskin Red, $1,110 (approximately P61,511.21), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
10. Vienne Mules
Rounding things out, you can never go wrong with a fuss-free slip-on mule. These leather flats get the Alaia treatment with their vienne-patterned upper sole.
Mules in Vienne Calfskin, $740 (approximately P40,914.23), ALAIA, maison-alaia.com
Local Celebrities Wearing Alaia Shoes
1. Heart Evangelista
As expected from a fashionista who's traveled the world over, Heart Evangelista has quite the collection of Alaia pieces, which, of course, includes a couple of their shoes.
For an endorsement event, she repped the brand from head to toe in a reptilian-skin dress (which had quite the cheeky cut-outs), along with a strappy pair of Cabaret heels. If these sassy steppers look familiar, then you might recall seeing them on Beyonce, too!
2. Marian Rivera
Fellow style icon Marian Rivera went for a more dainty pair of Alaia's, slipping into white Le Coeur heels to match her monochromatic blazer dress look.
3. Anne Curtis
This OG it-girl is always equipped for a summer getaway thanks to her Alaia essentials. Anne Curtis' daily tote bag finds a perfect match with her Fishnet Ballet Flats.
4. Angelique Manto
Also spotted with a pair of see-through flats was Angelique Manto, who rocked them with some baggy dark-washed jeans.
5. Pia Wurtzbach
While exploring the cobblestone streets of Rome, Pia Wurtzbach completes her Euro summer look with a pair of black studded La Ballerine flats
6. Jinkee Pacquiao
Jinkee Pacquiao is never one to miss a beat with her head-to-toe designer ensemble. For this look in particular, the socialite slips on her beige Fishnet Ballet Flats to match her her light-colored, off-duty ensemble.
7. Gabbi Garcia
Actress-host Gabbi Garcia keeps it effortlessly chic dressed in a breezy blue button-down, black shorts, a pair of black Fishnet Ballet Flats.
8. Kathryn Bernardo
Kathryn Bernardo lounges in her home in a relaxed off-duty look, pairing red gingham trousers with a white halter top and complementing the ensemble with white fishnet ballet flats.
9. Bea Alonzo
Actress-turned-entrepreneur Bea Alonzo casually means business dresed in a light blue blazer teamed with a grey bandeau top, medium-wash jeans, and the white Ballet Flats in Vienne Lambskin.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
