Shoes and life. One cannot exist without the other. This simple fact comes as second nature to every fashionista, and would seem obvious to any one willing to take the time to notice.

Shoes literally carry us in life. By looking at a pair, you can tell where an a person has been and where they are going. Peek inside someone's wardrobe, cupboard or drawer to gain insight into their life, habits and even their character. You can try to hide your personality kinks or eccentricities behind baggy trench coats or oversized hats, but your collection of foot apparel is bound to leave cracks in the disguise.

Take, for example, the high heel. Manolo Blahnik (internationally renowned designer) states that “When women ask me about heels, I say, try a pair on. If you don't see the magic, stick to Reeboks.” It certainly does take a particular personality (and needless to say, pain threshold) to sport such an accessory. The pointy-toed style which oppresses toes into unmentionable shapes is willingly suffered to achieve divinely lengthened legs. The stiletto, which may result in heel-crippling blisters, also gives inches of height and confidence. So, practical they are not. But necessary? Of course! Just look at Jimmy Choo’s “Heart” heel from the Cruise Collection 06. The leather dully glistens with the shine of a lake at midnight. The peep-toe front allows a subtle flaunt of toenails which have, no doubt, recently undergone a pedicure. The eighty-five millimetre heel raises one's demeanour above society’s standards. Without towering, the wearer is elevated and even the most un-shapely calf is rendered seamlessly defined. The ebony suede trim creates a smooth line flowing elegantly around the crown of the shoe, framing the ankle above. A single strap crosses the crest of the foot, leading to a button, a pool of black bordered by a fragile silver trim, completes this faultless accessory. Now perhaps not every individual can afford the expensive (yet justifiable) cost that comes with this piece of ambergris, but the theory remains the same. A woman, or man (let us not discriminate) adorned with a pair of heels, exudes confidence. And in the words of Marilyn Monroe: “I don't know who invented the high heel but all women owe him a lot.”

Ok, so not everyone is cut out for the heeled high-life. Some are more of the sneaker type. A relaxed, laid-back and “I’m ready for anything” air comes with a pair of sneakers. When walking down any street, there are always a couple of worn-in comfy sneakers travelling down the footpath. Often caked in dirt or dust they openly say “I really don’t care for fashion” and are seldom worn with anything but track-pants and polar fleece.

However, that is not to say that sneakers cannot be fast-paced and highly exhilarating. Just the opposite. Look at the ‘Nike Shox Turbo+ IV’. Adorned with such shoes one would be set for any ultra-fast-paced action that may cross ones path. The radiant red shock absorbers placed strategically under heel result in an elevated bounce in every step. Like the distinct display on the zenith of a red-backed spider, this exhibition of colour screams for attention. The brazen flamboyance stridently says “Bring it on, I’m ready!”. High-speed reflector strips streak down the outside of each foot, ready to inspire envy in any onlooker who happens to be impressed by the flashy glint of detailing. The resilient tread underfoot grips onto rugged terrain with as much ferocity as its owner grips onto life.

There are two types of people who willingly sport such a trainer. The first is the super-pumped athlete adorned with sweat bands and muscle-hugging lycra whose status is deserving of such a professional shoe. The second persona which chooses to parade such ostentatious apparel are the young-to-middle-aged metro-sexual men of western society. These individuals, when decked out in such lurid attire, endeavour to flaunt their ultra-cool “hip-ness”. However, such displays of this gaudy footwear merely serve to advertise how little these individuals care for the six-year-old children working horrendous hours for a fraction of minimum wage in Malaysia. With very few exceptions, the perceived message is “ I have a blatant disregard for social justice”.

Almost the antithesis of Nike is the safety-blanket of the shoe community, the wardrobe slipper. Finding reprieve in the cupboard of cosy suburban dwellings, these shoes are ideal for scuffing around the house whilst vacuuming. However, this venue is strictly where this apparel should remain. It is a fatal faux pas when one sees an individual who has chosen to wear these slippers outside the privacy of their own homes. The fronts are tattered, nearing thread-bare, with expanding holes which open out like skylights, allowing breathing space for suffocated toes. The heels, downtrodden and thinning, flatten out towards the side, a plateau of daisy-patterned cotton. With such features, these shoes should be left, as their name implies, in the wardrobe. But, as uncouth as they may be, they are like the infinite calories of chocolate fondue, simply irresistible. Like a spouse of many years, they know every detail of your sole. The insides are moulded to the imprint of your heels and toes, and in the more ‘well-loved’, cases, have a dirt mark outlining the distinct shape of your foot. Slipping into them after a long day is like fulfilling a shadow. Everything is just ‘you’.

Wardrobe slippers, although not the most suave of attire, can be, in suitable situations, socially tolerable. However, there is one type, brand, one may go as far as to say breed, of shoe, that is, in the eyes of fashion, totally unacceptable.

Crocs.

This is one trend that is plaguing our society and taking hold with the inexplicable and seemingly incurable traits of a vicious viral infection. The heinously fluoro colouring of these shoes stains our shop-windows like a spillage of ketchup on a Bettina Liano silk blouse. The covered toe of each pair, riddled with holes like Jarlsberg (and exuding a stench not dissimilar), is designed to conceal, and in doing so boorishly condones, bad hygiene. The spongy base of the shoe, although comfortable, provides a welcoming home for an influx of Tinea. On hot and humid days this bacterial playground becomes slicked with sweat which pools in the dips and contours. This excretion gives off a pungent odour which wafts up, causing the sensory nerves in ones nose to attempt escape, struggling to flee from their fixed position, and in failing to do so wishes the chance to commit hari-kari. The strap surrounding the heel flails redundantly, allowing the wearer’s foot to slip free. The shoe clacks ill-manneredly with each step, creating a noise which echoes like a the harsh bark of a hound in a forest, warning the settled wildlife of an intruder’s presence. This invention, like the cork platform, is yet another smear on the façade of the fashion empire. Like a cane toad in Australia; Malaria in Bali; troops in Iraq; this infestation should be eradicated.

Perhaps elimination is too optimistic an aim, but, apart from the wardrobes and porches of certain offenders’ houses, this phase will pass. For, like celebrities through rehab, styles come and go. As Gucci crafts what seems to be the new ‘it’ shoe design for summer, Prada releases its new season, once again bounding ahead in the vicious race that is fashion. Western society is herded to remain up-to-date, to obtain the new designs (alas, many of them cheap imitations), but it is only the truly devoted who succeed in such an endeavour. However, as tasking as the Fashionista’s pursuit may be, it is certainly rewarding.

After all, as Bette Midler so eloquently stated, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

There is a thread of change weaving through Brisbane lately. While it’s often stereotyped as the laidback little sister of the bigger and busier cities of Sydney and Melbourne -- it’s now undergoing a transformation. You can see it in the edgier architecture being built and the laneways development projects and, most importantly, it’s flexing a newfound fashion muscle as well.

Stephen Jones’ exhibition ‘Hats: An Anthology’ has been displayed exclusively at the Queensland Art Gallery, Pandora has announced a new store will be opening in the heart of Brisbane’s Queen St. mall and an exhibition by Valentino of his greatest designs has recently begun in Brisbane. With all of this coinciding with the $950,000 investment in the fourth Mercedes Benz Brisbane Fashion Festival from the 7th to 13th of August it’s clear that Brisbane fashionistas are keen to ditch their singlets and thongs reputation.

Brisbane has an impressive style pedigree such as Sass & Bide, Easton Pearson, Gina Kim, Project Runway winner Julie Grabc and George Wu. This strong designer heritage has now filtered down to the street level with boutiques specialising in designer or more affordable, accessible clothing sprouting up all over town.

The appeal of Brisbane shopping comes down to locality. While in other major capitals the pockets of retail heaven and the city are spread apart by pricey 20 minute taxi rides, Brisbane’s prime shopping sectors are all within a 5 km radius of each other.

Inner city suburb Paddington is renowned for its mix of luxe boutiques such as Meow Meow and feminine trend pit stops like La La Latrobe. This is all a stone’s throw from Fortitude Valley which has an edgier, alternative vibe and it’s one postal code away from the city. Search the city’s main Queen Street drag for Bam & Juju, the Natalia Denning franchise, the many arcades, notably Elizabeth, and Angus Black and Dirtbox for men.

While Brisbane has always had the usual suspects such as Witchery and Sportsgirl it’s the recent renovations to the QueensPlaza district in the city with the inclusion of Gorman, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Max Mara and Max & Co. that catapulted Brisbane to international standards.

Designer Bianca Batson who launched her “Batson” range of headpieces and womenswear earlier this year, believes the immediacy of overseas styles hitting Brisbane is a key factor in Brisbane’s transformation. Jean Brown in Fortitude Valley, launched in 2008, stocks brands like Chloè, Balenciaga and Yves St Laurent and receives weekly drops from European runways. Batson adores Jean Brown and says it “has fashion followers travelling from all over the country to shop there and it’s a Brisbane exclusive.”

Brisbane born designer Gail Reid’s clothing line, Gail Sorronda, with its black and white aesthetic, emphasis on volume and unique fabrics, leaves most fashion followers salivating. It is very successful in Italy and Japan yet when the first flagship store was opened in Brisbane’s TCB shopping mall in the Valley it was defunct in less than two years and Reid relocated to Paris to find her niche. So despite the image change can Brisbane not handle, or even offer, high calibre internationally renowned designers? Lydia Zimnoch Woolcott, owner and buyer for Drobe in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, doesn’t think so. “I have introduced many high end labels to Brisbane not knowing how they would be received and they have all gone so well.”

There are interesting concept stores in Brisbane such as couture designer Daniel Alexander’s boutique on Fortitude Valley’s Wickham Street which has his own designs downstairs while ‘upstairs on Wickham’, located above his own store, stocks designs from younger designers not as well established as himself. There is also the Little Black Dress shop in Paddington that, yes you guessed it, is entirely dedicated to the ever faithful LBD. It is the height of decadence shopping with personal styling and champers on tap.

While they may not have the history, grandeur or even size of Sydney’s Paddington or Melbourne’s Victoria markets Brisbane does have its own vibrant market scene. The weekend markets in Fortitude Valley and Southbank offer a mixture of designer and quirky jewellery and fashion as well as food so your literal and metaphorical tastebuds are satisfied.

Lynda Brennan, who is from Melbourne but moved to Brisbane after seeing a gap in the boutique fashion market, is owner and buyer for renowned boutique Meow Meow. “We offer more high end directional labels who really set the trends for seasons to come and other stores to follow.” She believes it’s the areas outside of the CBD that are Brisbane’s style mecca’s. “The city areas are packed with commercial chainstores but suburbs such as Paddington cater more to their specialized field and clientele as they are looking to build a customer base rather than selling to the masses.” Brennan believes it is also the endearing surroundings, a mixture of “art galleries and antiques” that sets Paddington apart. While Brennan concedes there are similarities between Brisbane’s Paddington and Surry Hills in Sydney and Hawthorne and Armadale in Melbourne “our store really focuses on designer labels who have a point of view behind their designs rather than just being on trend because they can or being influenced by others.” It stocks, amongst many other delectable designs, Lover, Lucette, Romance Was Born and Woodford + Co.

Zimnoch Woolcott also has a moral compass guiding her store. “Drobe is all about sourcing Australian labels that are not in Brisbane yet so most of our labels are exclusive to us and we are always acquiring new ones to keep it all fresh.” She says her store has elements of the Melbourne aesthetic and archetype and believes Brisbane locals are becoming more open to cutting edge, alternative styles that are usually reserved for the south. “People here are open to different styles and really love the opportunity to get something different.” Drobe stocks impressive labels such as Lady Petrova, Indigo Joker and Benjamin Ringuet and emerging labels such as SOOT and Paper Chain. Prices start at $29 for accessories and garments range from $100 to $600.

Batson says that despite the notion within the industry and public that Brisbane tends to be more mainstream than its wilder southern counterparts the reality is much brighter. “I think it comes down to aesthetic, everyone down south wears black, whereas in Brisbane we like to mix it up with colour.”   

Batson has hope for the future too. “Brisbane is now up to the standard of the south and it will continue to grow. Every year there are more young Brisbane designers desperate to make their mark on the industry, and Queensland University of Technology says that there are 20% more students applying for the fine arts (fashion) degree in Brisbane every year.”

So don’t charter your next shopping holiday to the fabric markets of India or the couture cavalcades of Paris as even though Sydney and Melbourne still rule the east coast of Australia’s fashion scene it’s clear Brisbane is on a fast track to being a fashion Queen - or at the very least, Princess in waiting.

As Brisbane fashion label Million Word Rhyme unleash their latest line of cutting edge tees, 
why not take a trip to the Village of the Jammed?

Visit Million Word Rhyme's website here!

For local Brisbane jewellery designer, Anna Kilvington, it all started with a ring.

“I had a cocktail ring I’d bought in New York City, and it was my favourite!

“Of course I lost it.  I figured, it can’t be hard to have another one made, it only cost me about $20,

but I loved it and wanted to replace it,” Ms Kilvington said.

Anna works in the marketing department at the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, so she used

her skills to jump on the phone and ring around to different suppliers and wholesalers, trying to

solve the puzzle of the missing ring.

Eventually, she came across a silver factory and it opened up a world of pearls, beads and baubles

that had Anna’s head spinning over the possibilities.

Ms Kilvington realised if she wanted to get her jewellery designs manufactured, she would have to order

larger quantities.

Soon she was sending off original designs to have them made, so that she could turn around and sell them

out of her home or at jewellery parties customers can book for friends.

“Most of my designs are things I want to wear—if I reach for and it’s not there, I draw it and have it made!

Kilvington’s creations are based on a classical style, suitable for all types of occasions.

“I’d like to start experimenting with different materials, but I know I have to keep the prices low because

people are coming up short at the moment,” Ms Kilvington said.

Check out www.splendiferousjewellery.com.au to book a jewellery party or order online.