Impact

Brian Atwood at Saks Bal Harbour

By Jewel Figueras

“Everything looks great on a high heel.”- Brian Atwood

Any self-respecting fashionista is familiar with Brian Atwood, designer of high fashion stilettos. Blessed with dashing good looks, Atwood started his career in modeling before being hired by Gianni Versace, where he learned to design ready to wear; but shoes were on his mind, always.

SocialMiami caught up with Atwood in the Fifth Avenue Club at Saks Bal Harbour just prior to his personal appearance later that evening.

He says that while it used to be about the clothing one wears, it’s now about the shoes, and adds that the shoe should be the foundation of a look. One should be careful not to ruin an expensive dress with horrible shoes.

The designer divides his time between Milan, where his company is based, and New York, but loves Miami – our women are not afraid of color and love to be noticed, a sure reason Atwood’s brand is popular here.

He dabbles in bold hues and loves proportion and clean lines. Even kitten heels. His philosophy is that the foot looks good. Atwood’s line sometimes has the same style shoe in both a high and low heel. It’s always about making an impact.

When asked about the next steps in his career, he’s considering free-standing boutiques. Bal Harbour Shops would be one of his first locations.

“Bal Harbour Shops are probably the most beautiful shops in the world,” Atwood said. “You want to spend money here.”

There is also talk of a Brian Atwood men’s line – though no definite date for launch – and we can expect an Atwood collection of handbags for both day and evening in spring 2012.