Shoe blog

Brian Atwood Monroe Mesh-Elastic Patent Leather Pumps

Brian Atwood Monroe Mesh-Elastic Patent Leather Pumps

Brian Atwood is a genius – and not just because he was smart enough to snatch up Nate Berkus. Um. Anyway. No, I mean he’s a genius because he is such a huge risk taker – and it really pays off. I think we haven’t even seen the best of what he can do, although every shoe he puts out seems even better than the last. I am especially fond of the Monroe Mesh-Elastic Patent Leather Pumps ($570 at Saks) I just spotted.

I think these are great for a couple of reasons. They are available in black too but I’m showcasing them in nude, because I think the color shows off the contrasting details. Of course, what I am talking about here is the elastic mesh wrap, which is just … wow. The mesh wraps almost all the way around this pump, turning what is a pretty but average silhouette into something truly phenomenal. See, the pump itself is totally cute, but it’s rather average – along it does have a chic, pointed toe. Add the mesh wrap into the mix, however, and you have something the likes of which I have never seen in a shoe before.

The heel is self covered and measures in at about 4 and ¼ inches, or 110 millimeters. That’s not too shabby at all.

I’m curious though. I’ve seen some critiques that say detailing just this – not just with Brian Atwood but among other designers as well – is just a gimmick to dress up an otherwise boring shoe. Do you think that’s true?

Brian Atwood Monroe Mesh-Elastic Patent Leather Pumps, $570 at Saks