Keeping fashion on its feet

By Gan Tian (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-21 11:16

Urban pedestrians need to pay attention to what they're wearing below the knee as the mercury dips.

It's that time of year when various brands are releasing their latest boots, and consumers look for the warmest and most stylish options.

Beijing Weekend Guides looks at two of the most fashionable names for both men and women.

The Hong Kong brand Staccato provides different trendy shoes for women who work in offices.

Since opening its first shop in Hong Kong in 1998, the brand has kept the fashion industry on its feet.

This year's highlights include several boots co-designed by acclaimed Hong Kong model Gaile Lok.

Lok declares a loathing for pink and doesn't use many other elements to give her boots feminine flair.

While some are open toed and high-heeled, and feature belts, there are also copper buttons that add toughness to their appearance.

Lok says she grew up in an environment of rock-'n'-rollers and hippies clad in street garb.

She infuses these influences into her boot designs, giving them a "strong and independent" image.

The minds behind Italian shoe brand Lotto certainly know how to properly introduce culture into their works.

For example, they've named their new shoe after the most famous foreigner to trek the Silk Road - Marco Polo.

These sneakers are designed for travelers, and the right and left shoes differ in construction - a quirk intended to express, well, "difference".

Wearers will find fur belts interwoven on the surface - a design borrowed from the shoes of traditional Italian preachers. There is even a small functional pocket on the heel of the right shoe.

Staccato

Oriental Kenzo, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng district

东城区东直门外大街48号东方银座

Lotto

Joy City, 131 Xidan Beidajie, Xicheng district

西城区西单北大街131号