Bravo to Freida Giannini for an absolutely stellar Spring/Summer 2010 shoe collection. Gone are the realms of romance, hippie, and disco, previous dumbing-down collections that I thought were beneath the prestigious label. This collection, from the clothing to every accessory was pure sex appeal. She started the show with white leather sandals, featuring a sky high stiletto heel, but as the show progressed and the shoes went from grey to black, bondage became an obvious theme.

These shoes certainly aren't for everyone, myself included, but I have to applaud F. Giannini for creating a collection that is purely for one type of woman and not the masses, a risk during economic recession. While I couldn't pull off these shoes, after this collection, Gucci handbags are back on my radar.

Just a side note on how fabulous the presentation was: the models had pedicures so their nasty toes don't ruin the overall impression of the shoes. Other designers should take note. *cough Marc Jacobs.

Saks has just released some new Fall 2009 shoes and the following are my favorites. Available at Saks.

This is the Dior suede and python ankle boot. I really like the texture throughout the entire shoe, even the heel. When the shoe is on the foot, the cut outs between the suede straps are more apparent. It has a 4.25 inch heel and a 1 inch platform. $1,090.

This shoe truly warms my heart. First, because it's a gorgeous paillette shoe, and I love paillettes (sequins). Second, because it's Gucci. My old, favorite label. It's in no way near my favorite label now. When Tom Ford left, the label went quickly downhill in my opinion. Anyway, this shoe is reminiscent of the good old days of fabulous Gucci designs.

It's the Gucci Sofia Paillettes Ankle Boots and it has a 4 inch heel. The only thing that could improve this shoe is if the heel was also covered in paillettes. $1,190.

This Marc Jacobs boot has such a distinct and unique look! It's fashioned after the Holland wooden shoe, and it is totally fresh and new in designer shoes. It's not necessarily beautiful, but it does have a quirky style that I love.  These boots are slip on (it has a 8 inch leg circumference), and the ankle strap functions to keep the shoe from slipping off when you walk. When you are standing in these shoes, you can look into the shoe and see the top of your foot. You gotta see these shoes in person to really appreciate the amazing design.

They are the Marc Jacobs Runway Ankle Boots and they have a 4 inch heel. $845.

The Gucci Fall 2009 Shoe Collection was extremely disappointing. Black leather, black suede, black pleather. Skintight, thigh high boots that will only fit a size 00. An open toe ankle boot. BORING! Frida Giannini designed a shoe collection that has absolutely no distinguishing features. You may as well save your money and buy a pair of Steve Maddens, they look the exact same.

Check out the Gucci Fall 2009 handbag collection.

These Gucci shoes look very hard to walk in, nevertheless I think they are fabulous. They have a distinctive disco vibe. They are the Gucci Lucy Python/Suede Sandals and, as the name suggests, they are made from genuine python and suede.  This shoe has a very fierce 6 inch heel and a 2 inch platform. I'm so glad Gucci made a decent shoe for Spring 2009, because last seasons designs were downright bad. Available at Saks, $1,495.

If you have read my Gucci handbag reviews, you know I have been disappointed in the recent designs. Now, that disappointment has spread to the Gucci shoe collection, and for the same reason. Since when does Gucci go after the teenage/ Harley Davidson/ NON professional demographic? First we got the absurdly large and over studded shoes and bags, now we have hearts and tattoos? In the good old days, Gucci shoes were worn by power women, and signified class, beauty and sophistication. These shoes are just the opposite.

Frida Giannini, the designer for Gucci, coined this collection "Gucci Exotica", but in her shoe collection there was nothing exotic. It was strictly classic and wearable designs. Like her Spring 2009 handbag collection, she only offered three different designs. While she has the designs in various colors and materials, from leather to crocodile, it was a little bit boring. The wooden platforms with the mary jane uppers are a classic design and look appropriate and chic in a business environment. Same for the triple buckle ankle strap shoe. The metallic snakeskin heel was the only one that would be more appropriate for the evening. In a season of runway fantasia, Gucci's fashions stood out as the practical label, with more everyday wearable pieces. That is a good quality to have in this global economy, even if it was not terribly exciting.

This the Gucci Babouska Open Toe Sandal. Gucci has dissappointed me this Fall, first the handbags, now the shoes. The huge studs, all over the shoe ruin it. it's waaaay overdone. The siloutte of the shoe is very pretty, if only the studs were much smaller....