Camilla Skovgaard Strappy Ankle Boots

Camilla Skovgaard Strappy Ankle Boots

Say what you will about Camilla Skovgaard, but she definitely has her own aesthetic. Love it or hate it – or love it and hate it, because with her designs, I’ve noticed that is not an uncommon feeling – you have to admit that it is definitely one of a kind. Are her shoes always wearable? I cannot in all good conscience say that every single pair of her shoes would be comfortable, but they are definitely conversation starters. My opinion of her Strappy Ankle Boots ($380.99 at Saks) is just as ambivalent. Let me explain.

I think these boots are stunning, I really do. I love the rust color, an unusual choice when so many boots are black, chocolate, or some neutral shade of beige. These would be a bold choice color wise, because the shade is just so rare. The labyrinth of straps are amazing as well, and I think they make a really stellar statement. (more…)

Camilla Skovgaard London Lace-up Oxford Ankle Boot

I am intrigued by the Camilla Skovgaard London A9007 ankle boot with the wrap-around ankle detail.

At first glance, they reminded me  of the Balenciaga  2006 harness boots that were so popular (thanks in large part to Mary Kate Olson) – which spawned the wildly popular Sam Edelman ‘Zoe’ – a silhouette that has become a staple for that shoe brand, including a recent, studded variation.

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Kristen Stewart

 I remember watching Oprah interview someone, years ago - I think it was Robert DeNiro.  The actor said that acting had to be the most boring job ever.  It is mostly repetition and sitting around while they prepare for five minutes of action.   Oprah went on to say that most actors, without scripts, are not particularly  interesting people.   When I look at Kristen Stewart, I think of that interview.  She doesn’t seem all that thrilled to be in the public eye; doesn’t seem to want to be talking to interviewers; and  doesn’t seem to appear to be very interesting.  In all fairness, her interviews in magazines have painted a fairly harrowing existence with her fans and paparazzi stalking her.  I would probably appear aloof, too. 

I have seen her in something other than the Twilight sagas and she can act, but the role she has to play in these Twilight movies is dreadful.   Anyways, Kristen Stewart is abroad with Taylor Lauchner as they attend “Twilight Saga: Eclipse” premiers and photocalls.  Since she first appeared in the spotlight, she has really improved her image.  Let’s see what she has shown us so far.

In Sydney she wore black Sergio Rossi ankle boots.  Her skirt is a Jenni Kayne from Spring 2010.   Her shirt is a grey Market Bridgette tee.

In Seoul she wore a black Prabal Gurung Fall 2010 long sleeved mini shimmering dress,  a wide leather belt and Jimmy Choo ‘Quiet’ black sandals.

For the Rome Premiere she wore a  Marchesa Fall 2010 dress.  I have seen mixed reactions to this dress.   She wore black satin Roger Vivier sandals to complete the look.

Taylor looks good enough to eat after dinner. 

In Germany, she looked liked a million bucks.  I just wish she would get rid of the tough guy pose.  She wore a  Versace Fall 2010 and Camilla Skovgaard button booties.  Love both the dress and the shoes. 

Close up of the shoes.

Nice touch with the black toenails.  This is my favorite look so far.

Camilla Skovgaard Sandals

I am still on the fence in regard to Camilla Skovgaard’s shoes.

Do I like them? I just can’t quite seem to make up my mind.

They were certainly an original take on the past several season’s ‘everything gladiator’ sandals trend; original enough to have caused copyists to sit up and take notice.

But, I have just not fallen into even a single, mini, lust-filled frenzy for any of the Skovgaard designs thus far encountered. Of course, I never really got on board with the whole gladiator sandal trend in spite of its – to me – unfathomable popularity and longevity. So, I may just be having a core personality mis-match with this designer’s recent offerings.

And, while these are not my current, personal style, I freely admit that the distinctive, jagged soles on these are nicely eye-catching.

A few current styles:

Camilla Skovgaard Pebbled Leather Mules $450 at Saks.com

Mules are so incredibly not a personal favorite of mine.  But man, are we seeing a lot of them this year!

Camilla Skovgaard Collar Sandals $545 at Saks.com.

Yes, this is a nice, modern shoe in a versatile nude. And the whole wide, bondage-inspired ankle strap is always a little bit sexy on a shoe. I’m just not in love with the whole package. Again, it’s a personal taste and style issue on my part.

Camilla Skovgaard Suede Cutout Sandals $480 at Saks.com.

Once again, these are nice enough for a hybrid boot-sandal type of thing. And I do love the grey suede (Does anybody else remember pre-internet just how rare it was to find a gorgeous, grey, suede shoe of any style?).  Anyway, I just don’t have the mad shoe-love going on for these.

All personal opinion aside, originality and a recognizable artistic voice is always nice to find in modern shoe design. Camilla Skovgaard definitely has that whole artistic vision thing down pat.  I can easily imagine that several of our readers will find these to be right down their fashion alley.

And that’s as it should be. After all, how dull would it be for  us to all be wearing the same things?

Who knows, maybe the perfect Skovgaard for me just hasn’t been created yet.  Just because I’m not on board now doesn’t mean that some future creation won’t eventually ensnare my shoe-dreams.

Shoe Showdown: Who Wore Camilla Skovgaard’s Heels the Best?

Newcomer shoe designer Camilla Skovgaard is tops on my watch-list of up and coming designers.  What I like about her work is that each shoe is edgy, made of quality materials, and very unique.  She takes  boring, normal looking platforms, peep tose, or pumps and puts a ton of details (lace, skins, structure, etc) into her work.  If you don’t believe me, take a look at the python sandals and striped peep-toe from Shopbop below.

I wasn’t surprised to learn from the official website that even though Skovgaard only launched her shoe collection in 2006 (prior to that she designed for the Skeikh’s wives and daughters), her shoe designs have already won her several accolades, the line is carried by top department stores like Saks, and celebrities have been seen with her designs.

This brings me to the latest shoe showdown.  Vanessa Hudgens, Halle Berry, and Cindy Crawford were all seen wearing Camilla Skovgaard’s S8001 sandal, which is being sold in black for $549 at Endless or toffee at Shopbop for $385.   It was difficult for me to decide which celebrity accessorized S8001 the best as all are so wonderfully dressed, including the amazingly youthful and healthy looking Cindy Crawford and yummy mommy Halle Berry, but my vote is going with Vanessa Hudgens today.   Her choice of a sherbet colored dress with black belt really draw my attention to the shoes.   Who do you think won Camilla Skovgaard’s S8001 shoe showdown?