An abstract flower in bloom, with reference to Christian Lacroix’s explosively voluminous cocktail dresses of the 1980s. Sergio Rossi’s sculptural design has major flare and major hotness. This wild wave of sizzling pink suede on a classic, minimal pump is a throwback to the decade of excess, yet the shoe is so innovative and paired-down, it looks 21st century-fresh. It’s in the black piping – snaking around the mysterious floral detail and against the black leather-covered stiletto, the detail is perfection.

Rossi would agree this is definitely an evening shoe (unless your day look happens to be “walk of shame,” and if so, that’s a whole other discussion!), but it’s not as specific as you might think. Like a bright bag or a big necklace, a shoe like this makes a fine focal point against a neutral dress. Looking ahead to holiday drama, this matte pump asks for a sparkling accompaniment. But just one! After that, I would worry about getting too busy with such a statement-maker shoe – you’ll be going full-blown flamenco. On Luisa Via Roma for $900.

Pair with: Comme des Garçons’ elegant black wool barathea dress is a simple standout, thanks to a curvy silhouette with a feminine skirt, mimicking a flower petal. At Bergdorf Goodman for $700.