Palpitations. A quickened pulse. Possibly a tremor. These shoes have induced so much excitement, I don’t even know where to start. Here we have one of the rare snakeskin instances when the python isn’t the scene-stealer. As we have recently learned (thanks to Giuseppe Zanotti and Jil Sander), the cutout wedge cannot be ignored.

Alaïa’s take on the untamed, sculpted platform is a real force to be reckoned with. So lively and intriguing, it almost looks like a teeter-totter. Yes, the most glamorous teeter-totter you have ever seen.

Glistening black python takes this wacky wedge right over the edge. I love the contrast of high-gloss skin on buttery suede, and casting it as a lace-up, peep-toe bootie only increases the element of pleasant surprise. Not all shoe designers can pull it off – you have to know what you’re doing to go the wild-meets-traditional route.

Clearly, Alaïa has the bravura to do it in spades. These 6” booties even possess the versatility to make everyday special. Although they will go perfectly with pants, why would you ever want to hide that wedge? Show them off by leaving them exposed and delightfully imposing. On Net-a-Porter for $1,750.

Pair with: Strut these stunners right into evening with Alexander McQueen’s freshest interpretation of the skull clutch. A provocative zipper gives classic black-and-white bouclé new meaning, so you’ll be striking from hand to toe. Alexander McQueen Classic Box Skull Clutch, $1,375.