Botkier's Sole Intentions

(NEW YORK) What's the perfect accessory to go with your Botkier handbag? Well, Botkier footwear, naturally. The company, which counts Angelina Jolie, Kate Bosworth, Jessica Alba, Heidi Klum, and Zooey Deschanel among its fans, is launching a range of shoes for Spring 2008. "This seemed like the perfect fit for us as we're embarking on our fifth year in 2008. Shoes have also always been a love of mine, and we wanted to wait until we had our brand name established so people would be excited about it," explained Monica Botkier. "We felt like we created such a niche in handbag market, and we thought we'd do the same thing for the shoe market," she continued. "There are the Louboutins, and the lower-range shoes, but you really can't find a pair of great booties for under $500."

The shoe collection "runs the full spectrum," and includes chic sandals, ballet flats, hammered ring stilettos, and peep-toe mod ankle booties, all made in Italy and priced between $200-$500. "Although I'm such a New Yorker, I have a love affair with California," Botkier explained of her inspiration for the collection. "It was all about a Malibu afternoon, casual, sexy, and chic all at the same time." The palette encompasses bronze and copper metallics, black, white, and nude snakeskin, as well as jewel-toned hues of fuchsia and royal blue. Most importantly, this new range of shoes--like their handbag counterparts--provides not only style, but comfort as well, with no heel being higher than 100 millimeters.

"Sexy shoes are really what it's all about. But we wanted to make sure these are functional as well as stylish, just like our bags, which have all the right pockets in all the right places," Botkier concluded. The shoes will be available from Shopbop.com, Bloomingdale's Direct, Big Drop, and Botkier.com.
JENNIFER BARTON