Shoe Connoisseurship or Understanding What You Like

Recently I purchased a wonderful pair of black low-heeled pumps by Marc Jacobs--a birthday gift to myself and a partial fulfillment of my New Year's Resolution to add more significant shoes to my closet. I thought today's blog about these beauties provides me with an excellent opportunity to elucidate my whole shoe choosing process.

Like someone who enjoys fine wine or art, I have become a connoisseur--of shoes. This isn't hard to do, anyone who has the time can do it. It's simply a matter of opening your eyes and seeing a lot of shoes. That is really the first step and if you are reading the blogs found here on Shoe IQ then you are already well on your way to becoming a connoisseur.

Next, develop an understanding of what makes a good shoe. Let's take a look at my new Marc Jacobs. Why did I choose these above the other choices at the store? What are the features which set these shoes apart from others?

No. 1: Quality of Workmanship

From the stitching of the pink sock lining to the selection of beautifully tanned black kid leather, these are well-made shoes. The devil, as they say, is in the details.

No. 2: Proportion

Here, Marc has decided to create a throat which draws a straight line below the instep and gracefully dips to either side of the vamp. This is balanced against an unusually foreshortened pointed toe and a low knock-on heel. What makes all these features work together is proportion. A longer toe would make the heel seem clunky and awkward. The delicate balance of the throat of the shoe would be ruined if the toe were rounded or the heel were too high.

 No. 3: Concept

What really drew me to these shoes in particular, however, is the use of materials in opposition with the shoe's design. Imagine these shoes with a plain instep strap. Not really that extraordinary, right? Because the designer has introduced an element--studs--which is rife with connotations of the punk movement, biker gear, even fetish wear and transposed it against a shoe that is relatively delicate and subtle, he has created something that is more than a shoe. It is an expression of the remarkable nature of fashion to refer back to itself and all its iterations.

Ultimately as a connoisseur, you will develop your own sense of taste and style. I would only encourage you to continue looking with an open eye and an open mind and keep reading about shoes!