Pierre Hardy, Jimmy Choo and Stuart Weitzman - their names are synonymous with red-carpet glamour and their shoes have adorned the feet of celebrities all over the world.
As any well-heeled fashionista knows, you would have to pay a pretty penny to own a pair of these show-stoppers, which typically go for around a thousand bucks - at least.
But now, these luxury shoe designers are rolling out more versatile designs for everyday wear and at lower prices.
The latest spring/summer collection by American luxe shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, launched in Singapore last Thursday, saw more down-to-earth offerings like ballerina flats and gladiator sandals.
Weitzman, who has been dubbed shoemaker to the stars for his one-of-a-kind million-dollar Oscar shoes, also priced this new collection significantly lower than his usual lines, with prices ranging from $330 for a pair of flats to $900 for pumps.
But lower prices do not mean lower quality.
A spokesman for Stuart Weitzman Singapore explains that the new collection is a 'venture into the more urban chic side of glamour, while keeping to the international standards of quality and luxury'.
'The collection enables us to reach out to a wider audience through more affordable prices, without sacrificing style or material'.
This formula has also been embraced by French designer Pierre Hardy in his collaboration with American casualwear giant Gap.
Already in its third year, the Pierre Hardy for Gap Design Edition is not a diffusion line from his own label. Rather, the designs for the shoes are his interpretation of Gap's casual aesthetic.
His upcoming designs for Gap will be available exclusively at Gap Wisma Atria from mid-April and are priced between $149 and $169.
Another luxe label coming down from its stiletto tower is British-based Jimmy Choo.
In October last year, the brand launched a one-time collaboration with Swedish fast-fashion chain H&M for a collection of affordable apparel and shoes.
Recently, it unveiled a new capsule collection of updated best-selling styles called Choo 24:7, which promises to take the Jimmy Choo woman from day to evening seven days a week.
The collection has a lower starting price - at $800 - than its usual line of Jimmy Choo stilettoes, which start at $1,100. The 24:7 collection is available here in Jimmy Choo's Paragon boutique.
Urban looks at how these lower-priced lines stack up to their luxe counterparts.
Photos: Luxury shoe labels cost less
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This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
