There I was, strolling down 40th Street and Seventh Avenue with Kelly, all decked out coming from our photo shoot with WWD. I suddenly heard a piercing “ding!” over the loud street noise and looked down. Shock and horror ensued. The main plaque – and focal point of the exquisite heavy-metal decoration of my fabulous Alaïa shoes (only the second time I’d worn them, mind you!) – had fallen right off, with no reason or warning.
Dejected, I dragged my feet back over to Bergdorf Goodman to discover the metal bit had just been glued on. The audacity of Alaïa! Thankfully, the salespeople were more than helpful and promptly encouraged a refund. “But how will you get home without shoes?” they asked. “I guess I have to buy a new pair!” The only real medicine for a destroyed shoe is a new one. But they had to have studs (bien sur).
Leave it to Christian Louboutin to save the day. His “Ariellita” cork wedges fit the bill. So their studs aren’t quite as studly as my faulty Alaïas, but at least their little rivets aren’t going anywhere. And they’re a fraction of the price! Shoe snobs, learn from my misfortune and beware the Alaïa shoe- she’s a teasing temptress who might break your heart.
Alaïa Embellished Leather Platform Sandals. On Net-a-Porter for $2,420.
Glued on hardware on $2500 shoes? Ridiculous! I am seeing a lot of shoddy quality on the high end, which begs the question: what the heck am I paying for? If it is just a name, I’ll pass. Sorry this happened to you.
I will do think I will ever purchase anything from Alaia. I have noticed several pairs of shoes and handbags on netaporter, I just do not feel you are getting your moneys worth. Stick with the Louboutins…I will.
And to think, I have been lusting after the Alaias on net-a-porter for a week now! At least the salespeople at BG were nice and let you return! Guess shelling out mucho cash doesn’t mean you get stellar quality.
ALWAYS buy your shoes at BG if you can! They are the best!
I have had alot of problems with alaia shoes, they are beautiful but I have noticed the heels squeak when I walk in them. It is very annoying. I have lately only been buying his clothes, they are made very well. I agree about staying with louboutin shoes. I have noticed designers whose main focus is shoes, they are the best made. Louboutin, jimmy choo,sergio rossi, manolo blahnik.