Head designer Katrín Alda Rafnsdóttir was inspired by her hometown of Iceland for her first collection, working with Icelandic tannery Atlantic Leather to create a patchwork boot with salmon skin. The brand grew to great international success and Rafnsdóttir now splits her time between Iceland, London and New York.

Available at Browns Fashion

You might know London-based designer Regina Pyo by her rectangular powder box bag found all over fashion week last season but Pyo's talent for modern, minimalist accessories extends to shoes as well with a fresh line of PVC heeled, multi strand sandals in fun hues meant to elongate the foot. 

Available at Regina Pyo

Founded in 2015 by Luisa Krogmann and Constantin Langholz-Baikousis, Aeyde is based in the heart of Berlin, with manufacturing all done by family-owned factories in Italy’s Marche region. The brand made a name for themselves with their sensibly-heeled boots but summer sees the launch of the double-strap sandals (some rounded, some with thick panels) with a retro-twinge, also sensibly heeled, of course.

Available at Aeyde

In 2015, Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto co-founded the LA-based brand now synonmous with fun party dresses (think confetti on tulle skirts) and bags of every shape under the sun. Now Staud has added shoes to the mix, and you'll find gingham, cushion straps and PVC wedge heels–a collection as versatile as their handbag offering. 

Available at Staud

Founder of her eponymous label Amina Muaddi grew up between Jordan, Romania and Italy, places that continue to inspire her designs today. After studying at the European Institute of Design in Milan and styling stints for L’Uomo Vogue and GQ US before launching her own brand which is now beloved worldwide especially by the street style set who model her glamorous heels reminiscent of a bygone Old Hollywood era, except for the heel, which features a jewel stud, makes them perfect for conquering the sidewalks as well. 

Available at Amina Muaddi

Born in Spain, Mercedes began her career in Milan before her label took her to New York. She is best known for sculptural shapes (remember the ruffle, accordian flat everyone was wearing last summer?) with slightly exaggerated proportions but all grounded in a kind of relaxed style so that they blend seamlessly into the everyday wardrobe. 

Available at Mercedes Castillo

California-born and Parsons-trained Nicole Saldaña practiced under the creative directors of Opening Ceremony and worked with shoes for Repetto, and Robert Clegerie before creating her own line with a group of her closest girlfriends. Her shoes, identifyable by the curved metallic heel with straps in various shades, have since found a home in the closets of fashion editors, millennials, and even Rihanna. 

Available at Nicole Saldana

Milan-born, New York-based stylist, Ada Kokosar is not only a street style star, but the super-romantic PVC-wrapped duchesse satin ruffle shoe she launched as part of a collaboration with Italian luxury shoe brand Cesare Paciotti in June 2017 also became an overnight sensation.

The line has since expanded from the first polka-dotted Cinderella shoe to a variety of mules with bedazzled buckles and various jewel-toned hues that are sure to steal the spotlight in any party. 

Available at Farfetch

You know Jasmin Larian's brand Cult Gaia for the bamboo Ark bag that completely flooded your Instagram feed the last two summers but the label has since branched into sexy, beach-ready ready-to-wear and of course, shoes. Often with the same wooden details found on the Ark bag, the shoes also feature architectural heels, accordian pleats and turtoiseshell details.

Available at Cult Gaia