Brian Atwood Shoes

Move over, Jimmy and Christian – there’s a new shoe guru in town. According to the Globe and Mail, American designer Brian Atwood is taking the shoe world by storm, and everyone wants a pair of his flashy, fun high heels. He began designing in 2001 and currently counts celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow among his fans.

Brian’s shoes are anything but boring, with reflective surfaces, jewelled embellishments and rows of gold studs. He also likes to name his designs after pop culture icons, including Lady Gaga and Dorota, Leighton Meester’s hilarious and loyal maid on Gossip Girl.

How have his designs evolved over the years? “The heels are higher,” he says. “A four-inch heel then was like a six-inch now.” He says it’s because “We’ve gotten used to it…everyone is doing it and people want that silhouette.” Brian does flats too, but he says that stores won’t buy them because customers want heels.

Within the year, Brian plans to open a retail store and an online store. He’s also working on a fragrance and may venture into clothing. As for men’s shoes, Brian says, “Who knows – eventually!”