Like most girls out there, shoes are my guilty pleasure! I can spend hours and hours browsing the internet for shoe inspirations and day dreaming about those stilettos that look like pieces of art – yet are not really functional.
Since moving to Asia, I wanted to discover more South East Asian shoe brands and to my surprise - or not really – most of the cool shoe labels came from Malaysia. It might be the Jimmy Choo effect but again the styles are hardly similar to the shoe legends designs and vary widely from elegant and simple to edgy and avant-garde.
There is definitely something for everyone and even better, they all come at an affordable price point and are available online for those who don’t reside in the country.
So here are the Malaysian shoe labels you should know about – and stock in your closet:
 |
| CHIYO is one of the new labels proving that Mayalsia might as well be the shoe capital of the region! |
 |
| How elegant is this pair from rising shoe designer Benson Chen? |
Benson Chen:
From elegant peep toe pumps embellished with crystals to Japanese platform inspired sandals with wooden heels, Benson Chen does it all with elegance. The photos of these pairs don’t give them justice as the material and the craftsmanship look much better in person. My favourite has to be the crazy wooden sandals although I’m not sure I can actually walk in them! Still worth a try :-)
Available at Asia Fashion Inc.
 |
| Platforms suited for a modern Geisha! Not for those with Acrophobia! |
 |
| This pair reminds me of Nicholas Kirkwood designs - only more delicate |
CHIYO
Contemporary, bold and kooky, CHIYO’s shoes are anything but conventional. They play on geometry and unusual cuts to create something that looks hard to pull off but is actually quite practical. I especially love the Lady Beatnik Pumps which look deceivingly elegant and egdy at the same time. I have to say that the quality of CHIYO shoes – which are all hand crafted – is exceptional so there’s no danger falling off in those heels!
Available at ShopChiyo and Asia Fashion Inc.
 |
| Full of attitude, this pair looks edgy an comfy at the same time! |
GlamRockChic
The most ‘glam’ label of the lot, GlamRockChic does what its name promises and brings a slight rock feel to the chic pair of heels. Lady-like, feminime but not boring, I love the ankle boots in a more grown up and rich shades of green, fuchia, mustard and greys. My favourite has to be their newly-released Warrior Princess python and suede pair which is absolutely gorgeous!
Available at GlamRockChic and Asia Fashion Inc.
 |
| Love this pair from GlamRockChic!!! |
 |
| Colourful but not 'in your face'... |
Chic Yamada
Remember my entry about those moccasin platforms? Probably the most fun and playful of all, Chic Yamada creates some literal foot candy especially with the choice of bright hues and pastels which would light up any dull outfit this summer. I love their new Mary Jane T-bar platforms in pastel purple which reminds me of cotton candy. I would be tempted to team it with absolutely anything I wear this summer!
Available at Chic Yamada and Asia Fashion Inc.
