Amina Muaddi
Bad Gal herself, Rihanna’s go-to Amina Muaddi, is no stranger to the shortlist for Shoe Designer of the Year. With her signature pyramid-shaped heel, her Muaddi creates chic designs featuring crystals, PVC, feathers and her animal prints. She has sexy sharp boots, comfy slingbacks, and trendy mules, all of which are heels for shoe lovers.
Over the years, Muaddi has collaborated with Rihanna, A$AP Rocky and Walford.
Givenchy
2022 will forever be known as the year of the Shark Lock boot. First created by Ricardo Tisci in 2012, the Shark Lock boot is a pant-over boot design with a gold or silver padlock with his GG logo on the brand.
Since their conception, these boots have become icons of the Givenchy family, and for 2022 have been redesigned with new materials such as summer-ready raffia, flashy leopard print and on-trend metallics. Disney’s 101 Dalmatians x Givenchy collection, released in July this year, also featured a two-tone black and white version.
Jessica Rich
Jessica Rich first launched her brand online in 2017. The iconic Fantasy Stiletto is a clear PVC pump that goes with any (and all) outfit. It’s a bomb dream!
With celebrity clients such as Ciara, Normai, JLo and Saweetie, the brand rapidly expanded and introduced designs of satin platforms, mesh sandals and chain t-straps. Five years later, Rich not only opened her own brick-and-mortar store in LA (2019), but her designs can also be found at Nordstorm, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s.
tom ford
You can’t talk about shoes without mentioning Tom Ford. The epitome of sexy heels, Tom Ford’s Naked Sandals have become a bombshell wardrobe staple. Available in a variety of colors, prints and materials (metallic, denim, velvet, etc.), the barely-there sandals feature metal heels and matching signature padlocks. A simple yet elegant design is key, adding just the right amount of glamor to almost any outfit.
Of course, hot sandals aren’t the only Tom Ford essentials. With Boss Lady pumps, chic slingbacks, disco-ready platforms, and everyday sneakers, it’s easy to see why he had to include TF in his shortlist for Shoe Designer of the Year.
Loewe
Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe has recently reached new heights with its wildly popular novelty heels, including designs with balloons, nail polish, roses and even eggs.
A member of the LVMH family, Loewe is best known for its luxury leather bags. In fact, it is the oldest luxury fashion maison in the group, having been founded in 1846. These days, Loewe is breathing fresh life into the fashion scene with cool-chic pieces (and eye-popping price tags to match).
Hanifa
Hanifa is already a popular fashion brand with fans all over the world. At the end of 2021, founder Anifa added her much-anticipated line of footwear debuting the design at the brand’s first in-person fashion show, debuting in Zoe boots and Zoe mules.
Just one year later, Hanifa’s footwear line features five trendy styles, including boots, mules and sandals, combining metallics, embellishments, luxurious leathers and furs.
Ug
The classic UGG boots from the 2000s are back! With trendy metallics, colorful furry sandals, and shorter, ankle-length versions of classic boots, Ugg is chicer than ever!
We especially like the design of the Multi-Zip Boot, which allows you to choose the boot style to match your knee-to-ankle length style.
i’m jennifer lee
Can Miss Jennifer Lee score a hat-trick? Jennifer Le, who won Faby’s Shoe Designer of the Year in 2020 and 2021, is a firm favourite.
2022 saw more extravagant designs using embellishments, furs and metallics, with an endless list of celebrity fans including Mary J Blige, Remy Ma, Kelly Rowland, Ashanti, Xscape, Karrueche, Latto and Draya. (and this year’s hottest rocking design), the Canadian brand that started in 2014 has grown. From strength to strength. 2022 will be a historic year for the brand with the grand opening of its first flagship store in Ontario.
ice queen design
Faby’s first nominee from Europe is Polish brand Ice Queen Designs. Known for her furry winter creations, the brand certainly lives up to its ‘Ice Queen’ moniker. Think fur-lined heeled boots, sheepskin snow boots, lace-up stylish flats, zips or chunky gold her chain details.
But not everything is just winter style. Ice Queen designs also include furry slides, fun floral summer sandals, and party-ready heels.