When I last saw Brian Atwood, he told me that the metal heel was going to be a major statement for fall. He wasn’t kidding. At his Fall 2011 presentation in Milan over the weekend, the devilishly handsome designer, whose new B Brian Atwood collection hits stores around Labor Day, unveiled a dramatic spiraling gold mirrored “Empire” heel that had the editors abuzz. On his signature pumps and a new slingback shape, it creates a very architectural and modern look that we haven’t seen in quite some time. Sure, there have been plenty of metal stiletto heels, some in 24-karat gold even, but the spiral effect Atwood created almost has this pearlized effect that makes them appear fragile when they are, in effect, quite sturdy. My other favorite collection? The studded pieces. I’m a sucker for a stud, so I was drawn at once to the vibrant violet hues of the suede pump and ankle boot, the former embellished with the metal studs all over while the latter boasted a seriously sexy studded heel.