One To Watch: Shoe Designer Jonathan Kelsey

It's no secret that I'm shoe person, and that high heels, metallics, and bold colors are a few of my favorite things. Therefore, it's not surprising that I'm a big fan of Jonathan Kelsey, one of the latest designers to become part of Saks Fifth Avenue's Fashion Incubator.

A veteran of Jimmy Choo, Cacharel, Giles Deacon, and Strenesse, Jonathan Kelsey says his muse is a "sexy strong woman who loves to dance!" and that his designs are influenced by the styles popular in the 70s (a tribute to his mother's shoe collection) and Tim Burton's elegant Gothic aesthetic. Check them out:

The ankle booties are perfectly proportioned (not to mention one of the season's biggest trends), the gunmetal peep-toes are much more unique than most of the metallic shoes in stores now, and the rich gold pumps are simply fabulous.

Here are a few more examples from his Spring/Summer 2008 collection - I especially like the rose gold accents on his snakeskin platform pump (on the right). The other sandals may seem a little...complicated for most women, but hey, when it comes to luxe footwear, too much is never enough.

*Shopping tip - few fall/winter styles are marked way down at Saks.com.

**Thanks to FabSugar for tipping me off about this hot new designer.