That's right. These are Prada - high end designer - shoes. Probably with an asking price well over a grand. Apparently Miuccia Prada was inspired by "business to beach", which I just don't get in this collection. It's more like "dollar store to stripper club". The slide on mules (3rd, 4th and 6th picture) are pretty bad, but I may wear them to the pool if they were given to me (but I would never pay a dime for them), but all the rest with the overly obvious Velcro attachments are absolutely hideous. The chandelier attachments make the shoes even worse and are flat out costume-y. It's almost as if she tried to make them ugly and cheap looking to pass it off as art - Maison Martin Margiela style.

I have never been a big fan of Prada shoes, but this collection takes it to a whole new level. M. Prada's reputation as one of fashion's great intellectuals surely doesn't rest on her shoe designs. 

The Prada Fall 2009 Shoe Collection was quite eclectic, and as usual per Prada, very odd. I'll start with the utilitarian pumps. They are basic pumps with a square heel and soles like that from a construction boot, which immediatly cancels out any femininity in the shoe. Then there were the wide-topped leather boots with a small belt attachment for either the leg or waist. For anyone who doesn't know, these are a leather version of the rubber boots that deep sea fishermen wear when they are on the deck. It's also the design that sewer workers wear. Mmmk. Lastly were the overly studded heels with Mohawk patent fringing at the heel. Miuccia Prada said of her collection, "I didn't want to do anything about the city,...more something about sport and the outdoors in general—freedom and nature." But to me, this collection reeks of city life without a hint of nature. I'm not necessarily surprised by this collection, Prada does alot of unisex, odd designs, but I was hoping there would be something nice like last seasons pailette collection. Oh well, at least the handbag collection was good.

I am always pleasantly surprised when Prada releases a shoe I absolutely adore, usually I'm fairly unimpressed with their designs. This sequined sandal is very pretty and feminine. It is a leather sandal covered with various sized sequins. Like the Miu Miu sequined shoes , these Prada shoe have bigger sequins at the top and sides and then slowly start to get smaller towards the bottom of the heel and the top of the strap. This craftsmanship gives the illusion of fluid movement and is very beautiful. These shoes have a 4.5 inch heel and are available at Saks, $850.

It's not that I don't like this Prada shoe, it just seems better suited for a winter collection rather than spring. It looks a bit like a big Christmas ornament, and that much gold metallic always reminds me of holiday parties. I do like the fluid look to the satin fabric and the big bows definitely make these shoes an eye grabber, however I don't think I'm going to shell out the ungodly amount of cash that Prada usually requires for such shoes. These will be available Spring 2009.

These Prada shoes should be hitting the stores any minute. They are from the Fall/Winter 2008 shoe collection. I think all of these shoes will look good with skinny pants or tights. Personally, I could only see myself buying the striped shoe with a flat vamp, or possibly the blue shoes. The leather fans in the front of the others are too big for my taste. Have you seen them out yet? I can't wait to see how much they will cost.

What do you do to update an old style? Well, Prada cut it apart. These are Prada's Two Piece Boots and I'm just not feeling them. Besides being two pieces, the boots have a modern  architectural heel and a side zipper so time is not spent lacing and unlacing. I do like the touch of sheen on the graphite leather, however when I saw the hefty price tag of $1800, my eyes were positively popping out of their sockets. The shoe doesn't justify the price, I see no embellishments, exotic skins, or artistic craftsmanship. What do you think?