Shoes for the Affair of the Black Tie
Manolo says, one of the Manolo’s many internet friends has asked the Manolo the question
I am chairman of a black tie charity ball to be held in a few weeks…I love the charity, but I’m not the black tie type and have trouble putting together a look, beyond a pair of 501’s, white t-shirt, and tretorns.I will be wearing a beautiful (albeit a few seasons old) couture Jill Sander evening gown, (bought after a drunken lunch in SF) black silk sheath w/ boatneck, 3/4 sleeves, gorgeous fit…(reminds me of Jackie Kennedy)…I do have a nice pair of Weitzman silk pumps, but they look too staid with such a conservative dress… could you recommend a pair of evening sandals or pumps that could “sex up” this dress? The dress is really fitted, and pretty hot, even with the sleeves and covered bosom.
Manolo says, this it is exactly the sort of the question that the Manolo he can really sink the teeth into. Picking the beautiful shoes for the fancy party, it is perhaps one of his most favorite things to do in the whole world.
Here are three of the choices that the Manolo thinks would add the sparkle to the simple, but stunning sheath dress by the Jil Sander.
This gorgeous shoe by the Claudia Ciuti it has been christened with the ridiculous name of “Otis”, like the town drunk in the Mayberry RFD. However, despite this, this shoe it is in the humble opinion of the Manolo the perfect thing for the party of the black tie.
Here is the simple but most beautiful shoe from the Charles David. The ring of the crystals on the strap will add the needed sparkle to the black ensemble.
Finally, the Manolo he must recommend this stunning shoe from the Donna Karan. Notice how the addition of the simple ankle strap “sexes” this shoe up. Not only is it most beautiful, but it is now on the sale, it is still not “cheap” but it is 50% off of the usual price.
The Manolo he is most certain that his friend she will indeed be the belle of the charity ball!
May 12th, 2005 at 6:54 pm
Does she have the jewelry to accompany her beautiful couture? :-)
Miachelle
May 12th, 2005 at 9:15 pm
Please do wear the first shoes. They are stunning. I am equally smitten by the second, yet more subdued, pair.
May 12th, 2005 at 9:16 pm
Wow! The first ones are super fantastic!
May 13th, 2005 at 2:32 am
oh my gosh the ridiculously named “OTIS” is absolutely divine!
May 13th, 2005 at 10:39 am
I myself am partial to the Donna Karan pair…but where can I get it at the discount? Manolo, please tell us…I need them for a similar event.
May 13th, 2005 at 6:28 pm
Otis is such an unfortunate name for those pretties. Have fun Manolo’s friend!
May 13th, 2005 at 10:07 pm
I completely agree with the first pair (who names shoes after a dog? Otis is a puppy name!)
My ‘first pair’ argument… lies in the horizontal lines of the dress. The boatneck, 3/4 sleeves, and knee-length will effectively cut the visual aspect to directly across her shoulders (boatneck,) her hips (at the bottom of the sleeve,) and at the knee (or thereabout.) Wearing an ankle strap will give give the illusion of a shorter leg, and we’re going for the lithe, elegant, uninterrupted leg.
The Otis slingback is perfection.