GIL CARVALHO – the new Manolo

 

 

{mosimage}It has been reported that women in Britain spend over £500 million a year on shoes. A shocking statistic many would say because imagine what you could buy with that amount of money? More shoes of course! I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my well earned money and as we only have two feet, why not indulge and decorate them in beautiful creations known as shoes?

I for one, am a sucker for pretty shoes – the higher the better, the more they shine, the quicker I reach for the Debit card. I cannot resist the temptation of a well made shoe because at 5,4ft, I need the height (not to mention a pair of shoes to  match my fab new dress). {mosimage}

 

{mosimage}As we are vastly approaching the party season, many women struggle to find the pair of shoes to see them into the new year ahead. With all the partying and dancing around your handbag swigging champagne, feeling good will be as important as looking good. Women want shoes which will make you look like an Amazon goddess with long, lean legs as well as looking elegant ( i.e. being able to actually walk in them after an hour of energetic dancing to Christmas tunes). However, this is a rare occurrence which results in you spending all Christmas nursing swollen blisters and broken toes.{mosimage}

 

If only there could be a shoe which looks good but fits your foot perfectly …Well it looks like your Christmas may have come early as I have discovered a genious, aka Gil Carvalho, who combines art and design creating stunning results.

 

{mosimage}il Carvalho is a Portuguese designer who believes that it isn’t all about creating a shoe, but a special relationship between the wearers foot and the shoe. Launching his label with the incredible ‘Conceptual Collection’ which explores invention and experiments far beyond any designer ever has attempted to. He believes that aesthetic comes before function, which is rare and unique in the fashion industry. With his intense interest in architecture and inspiration from Santiago Caldaria (a famous Spanish Architect ) it is clear that any woman wearing his shoes will feel the full benefit of the way the shoes has been crafted to perfection.

 

{mosimage}After studying fine art and history in Portugal, architecture in London and shoe design at Cordwainers college at London College of Fashion, Carvalho has a passion for beautiful but functional shoes, and I predict that he will be hot property in 2006.

 

{mosimage}The Autumn / Winter 2005 collection speaks for itself and consists of contemporary styles like the popular ankle boot and the modern stiletto, killer heels and vibrant colours which represent the season. Although they are modern, the shoes have an exclusive, overseas feel to them, the kind of feel you get when you go into a exclusive boutique somewhere in Europe and find a complete one-off which will add instant glamour to your look as well as being well made. They also have an old fashioned approach to the customer’s service, as they concentrate on the wearers comfort, rather than focusing on what they look like even if they are going to cause pain by wearing them.

 

{mosimage}If you are still looking for the one, make sure you have a look at Carvalho’s website www.gilcarvalho.com and view his collections. Only 10 pairs of each style get made, so make sure you snap them up quick as you’d be a fool to miss out on these hidden treasures.If you see a pair but would like to indulge in his experimental flair and have a pair customised, give them a call and arrange an appointment.

Gil Carvalho is hot new talent for 2006 and not to be missed. For press enquiries, contact Patrick on 0207 262 2658 or email: info@gilcarvalho.com.

 

 

Stockists

If you want to buy his design ASAP, why not take a trip down to the following stores and indulge your passion for fashion

 

·         Envy Cobham High Street Cobham Surrey 01932 863 484

·         Harriet’s Muse Kingly Court Carnaby Street London 0207 262 2658

 

 

 

Finding a shoe which is comfortable but looks fab is hard to find but I have rounded up the top 12 which will have you dancing on the tables in no time! As well as Gil Carvalho, I have found more great finds to get your feet into over Christmas. Enjoy!!

 

·                     Schuh

·                     Dune

·                     Dune

·                     Barratts

·                     D-Havz

·                     Office

·                     Office

·                     Lulu Guiness

·                     Rafe NYC

·                     Rafe NYC

·                     Vivaladiva

·                     Vivaladiva

 

Have a great Christmas and a very happy new year!!

 

Kyrsty Hazell