African Fashion Designers in Elle France

Adua Dabanka of MO SAIQUE

Photo: Ophélia Wynne

“Their roots go from Niger to South Africa, and they draw wildly creative, stylish and desirable fashion. Today they live in the capital of Great Britain. But why there?” This is the question that Elle France raises in an article in the May issue, London, the African Renewal. We’re pleased to have been involved and interviewed for the feature, which you can read in its entirety here.

Londres, le renouveau africain

James shoes available here

African Fashion Designers in Elle France

The best shoes from Fashion Week AW16

Another Fashion Week has come and gone, and once again, we couldn’t help but focus on the shoe show. Autumn-winter is an exciting season because it comes with lots of possibilities: boots, ankle boots, pumps, even sandals for the warmer areas. These were the shoes that caught our eye this time, making the last days of THIS winter more bearable:

Best shoes from Fashion Week AW16 | MO SAIQUE

These are by Alexander McQueen, and they feature pink fluffy faux fur insoles, painted florals and metallic inserts. Such a great way to combine contrasting textures and themes!

Best shoes from Fashion Week AW16 | MO SAIQUE

These are also by McQueen, we’re in love with the ethereal feather front and the super-soft, delicate shade of pink.

Best shoes from Fashion Week AW16 | MO SAIQUE

Versace designed these super edgy, angular pumps with a metallic heel, but made them slightly softer with the use of pastel colours.

 

Best shoes from Fashion Week AW16 | MO SAIQUE

These Rodarte ankle boots speak on so many levels! We love thepatchwork, the frills and the architectural red heel.

Best shoes from Fashion Week AW16 | MO SAIQUE

Fendi is on to something with that quilted conical heel! And we can’t get enough of those ruffles and the delicious peach colour.

Photos from Vogue.com. More picks on our Pinterest.

The best shoes from Fashion Week AW16

Our new SS16 collection is out!

Mo-saique shoes SS16 collection

We’re very excited to announce that our spring-summer 2016 collection, “Hessian”, is now available in our online store! The new collection is a mix of styles and materials, including beautifully soft leather, pony skin, and 100% recycled burlap from coffee bean sacks. Women today are no longer just punk, just romantic, just classic, just girly – they are a combination of all. We now have the freedom to mix all those things together, and the SS16 collection reflects just that.

There are seven brand new styles available to shop now, each one in a few colour combinations, as well as a new colour version for our customer favourite James sandal. You can see and shop all of theme here, and, as always, we’re available for inquiries at shop@mo-saique.com.

MO SAIQUE shoes SS16 collection MO SAIQUE shoes SS16 collection MO SAIQUE shoes SS16 collection

Our new SS16 collection is out!

Tucker by Gaby Basora

Tucker x Mo Saique

Gaby Basora from Tucker started out as a costume designer and stylist before launching her own label in 2006. Her entrepreneurial spirit, her obvious talent and eye for fashion are a real inspiration. So we were very happy to collaborate with Tucker on their latest lookbook. The designs fit seamlessly together: our bold, high heeled shoes from SS16, and her fantastic prints and precious fabrics. This makes us even more excited to launch our spring collection officially!

Tucker x Mo Saique Tucker x Mo Saique Tucker x Mo Saique Tucker x Mo Saique Tucker x Mo Saique Tucker x Mo Saique Tucker x Mo Saique

Tucker by Gaby Basora

8 gorgeous black shoes to get you in a Halloween mood

Everyone who knows a bit about fashion knows that black is the most stylish colour. It’s no wonder people often says “x is the new black”- black is the standard. And since this time of the year everyone is talking about black cats and witches and whatnot, we’re in the mood to talk about black shoes.

8 gorgeous black shoes to get you in a Halloween mood  | MO SAIQUE

1. Illusion loafers (60% off!), will take you from work to weekend in no time. The orange piping make them perfect for an understated Halloween look.

2. Iceberg oxfords for comfortable everyday wear. This classic shoe is a basic in every woman’s wardrobe.

3. Jazz mules come with a thick wood heel that’s both comfortable and sexy. The 70s have never looked hotter.

4. Ingrid shoes (60% off!) are a wonderful balanced shoe, with the medium heel and the classic silhouette.

5. Isis booties (60% off!) are the update your autumn wardrobe needs. While the color is a classic, the heel details make them stand out.

6. Jens peep toes are edgy and fun, pretty much what you want to be wearing for the winter holiday parties.

7. James sandals are not just shoes, they’re like a piece of jewelry for your feet!

8. Heidi shoes mix the comfort of a block heel with the elegance of black patent leather, and the result is breathtaking.

8 gorgeous black shoes to get you in a Halloween mood

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16

Late September would be so sad without Fashion Month! The beginning of autumn can mean many things to many people, but we’re particularly excited about seeing the latest trends for next year. The trends in shoes, of course. We followed the collections from New York, London, Milan and Paris, and these were some of the most beautiful shoe designs we noticed:

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE 1. These spectacular bejeweled heels from Giambattista Valli, complete with five thin buckle straps made of velvety suede.

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE

2. These particularly pointy shoes by Christian Dior, made even more interesting by a cylinder heel, buckles and patent leather.

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE 3. Rodarte made us think of a contemporary Marie Antoinette with these golden striped shoes with rhinestones and a convenient back zipper.

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE4. Leaves. Snakes. Pastel studs. Gucci is seriously over the top this season, in the best way possible.

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE5. Black, minimalist, 80s style boots from Lanvin. With a stylishly thin golden stiletto heel.

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE6. The sheer block heels from the new Boss collection are killers. Plus we can’t say no to mules, nor to this particular shade of soft pink.

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE7. Mary Katrantzou brings snakeskin to a new level with these sandals. Have you seen that fabulous heel?

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE8. These seafoam-colored Balmain shoes feature suede, silk and metal, a combination that works unexpectedly in their favour.

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE9. Marc Jacobs’ stilettos are a fun and edgy combination of punk, chic and glam, something that will definitely stand out on any occasion. DIY, anyone?

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16 | MO SAIQUE10. These chunky Jason Wu heels would be our choice for everyday wear. The brown and textured leather go together seamlessly.

All photos via vogue.com

10 gorgeous shoes we spotted at Fashion Week SS16

How to buy the perfect shoes

Shoe shopping is many a fashionista’s kryptonite. After all, one of the most popular Carrie Bradshaw quotes is “I have this little substance abuse problem… expensive footwear”. Buying shoes may appear as easy as finding a pretty pair, paying for it and taking it home. But there are other things you should keep in mind if you’re looking for those perfect shoes:

Haidee Electric Blue Shoes | Mo-Saique

 

Don’t give up. It may seem like all the beautiful shoes are uncomfortable and all the comfortable ones look like granny’s, but there’s still hope! As long as you keep searching, you’re bound to find the perfect fit.

Know your size, get your size. Shoe size may change with time, depending on such factors as your age, weight fluctuation and industry standards. Get your feet measured by a specialist to know your real size, and never buy shoes that are too tight or too loose. Chances are, if the fit is not perfect when they’re new, it never will be.

Ingrid Biscuit Shoes | Mo-Saique

Just high enough. High heeled stilettos are clearly the sexiest, most beautiful shoes out there. But don’t go too high with your heels if you can’t handle them! Nothing is graceful about barely being able to walk in your own shoes. Choose a platform or chunky shoe for more stability, or go for medium heels instead.

Jazz Black Mules | Mo-Saique

 

Go for the classics. Classics are often synonymous with “classy”. Fashion trends come and go, but a round toe ballet flat, a nude peep toe or a black pump will never go out of style. If you want to make an investment, make sure it lasts for a very long time.

Go crazy. Yes, we realize this is the complete opposite of the tip above. However, having one pair of crazy-cool shoes will save you from lots of annoying wardrobe situations! A classic little black dress looks fantastic with a pair of neon pumps, animal print peep toes or anything eye-catching, really.

 

 

How to buy the perfect shoes

Standout shoes by female footwear designers

Standout shoes by female footwear designers  | Mo-Saique Footwear News is probably the best site in the shoe industry, so we’re excited to see them value women female designers. Their recent editorial, Women on Top: Standout Shoes by Female Footwear Designers, showcases the work of talented designers such as Charlotte Olympia, Sophia Webster, Sarah Flint or Ruthie Davis. “No longer playing second fiddle to male maestros, it’s proof that female designers are taking their rightful place atop the footwear world.” These are all women we admire, and we’re proud to see their work wonderfully showcased by models Lily Lightbourn & Grace Cheng. Moreover, the whole photo shoot used an all-girl crew, including photographer Leslie Kirchhoff and an excellent hair and makeup team. Standout shoes by female footwear designers  | Mo-Saique Standout shoes by female footwear designers  | Mo-Saique Standout shoes by female footwear designers  | Mo-Saique Standout shoes by female footwear designers  | Mo-Saique

 

Standout shoes by female footwear designers

3 ways to wear the Heidi shoe

Heidi_Biscuit2

The Heidi shoe from our Spring 2015 collection is a real beauty. The high, block heel is made of wood, which was hand-carved and painted in Ghana by Wood’n’Things. Same for the front decorative piece. Featuring a peep toe design, the Biscuit version comes in matte leather, and it’s perfect from day to night. Don’t believe us? Here’s proof:

Never-ending styleIt’s like these shoes and this skirt were meant to be together! Pair a printed pencil skirt with a plain, fitted sleeveless top to let it shine. Accessorize with golden jewelry, such as an ear cuff and a ring set, and go for a minimalist clutch in neutral colors. The tan shoes will create the illusion of longer legs, while the interesting details will catch every eye.
Not a tomboy

Go a bit more casual by pairing the Heidi shoes with jeans. Roll them up just a bit for an effortless look, and combine them with an interesting, but simple, white blouse. The wooden heels go famously with even more wood accessories, the bag is roomy and practical, while the hat can put an end to any bad hair day.

Picnics of summer

A yellow dress is the epitome of summer! Pair it with the Heidi heels and an upgraded basket bag for an elegant daytime look. Perhaps a garden party? Don’t forget every lady’s essentials –  sunglasses and a silk scarf – and feel free to play with some quirky jewelry.

3 ways to wear the Heidi shoe

Summertime 2013: A Feast for the Senses!

summer

It’s officially Summer! Today we (in the Northern Hemisphere) revel in the longest day of year and everything is touched with glow of sunny excitment – for impending vacations, summer festivals, and celebrations of all sorts. Of course, having the right summer wardrobe is part and parcel to making the most of the season, but we also like to massage our other senses with warm weather goodies.

Summer Recipes

I love to entertain in the summer, so new and tasty cocktail ideas are always welcome. Can’t wait to try some of these ideas from Cupcakes & Cashmere, especially the Sweet Nectarine Kiss. Mmm.

Summer Music

In the summertime I’m always drawn to laid back, tropically inspired sounds that would be ideal for taking it easy in a beachtown somewhere. This year that’s colored with my current preoccupation with 60s – 70s jazz & James Bond. Would love some suggestions for my playlist!

Summer Shoes

And of course, the right combo of summer footwear to cover me from beachside in Spain to barside in Brooklyn. Mo Saique’s Spring/Summer collection is entitle ‘Lunar Eclipse’

This is the journey of a heroine: creative, liberated, rebellious, confident. Every step she takes is filled with the vibrancy of her emotions. Solid and explosive colours celebrate our heroine’s fun yet intriguing side. She will wear metallic flats for practical sophistication and futuristic appeal and turn heads with a pulsating mix of tribal, rock and neon.

Summertime 2013: A Feast for the Senses!