It’s the ultimate party shoe! If you ask me, there aren’t nearly enough romantic masquerade balls in this day and age. Enter unflinchingly creative Nicholas Kirkwood to the rescue. He has solved the matter by a devising mask for the feet, not the eyes.

But there’s nothing kitsch about this take on the Venetian-inspired accessory. As dramatic these folds of metallic leather and flocked velvet are, they also bring to mind a fluttering butterfly. Simplistic silk-satin and a lean stiletto heel make for a sleek look; it’s elegant theatrics. Sure, it’s still very specific, but this shoe so good (and so rare – seriously, when are you going to find anything else like it?), I wouldn’t mind spending money for the fun of a few satisfying wears. Even better, wear your masks out for years to come whenever you have a ball to attend (and if the opportunity doesn’t come up, you might just have to throw your own soiree). At Browns Fashion for $1,200 (£765).

Pair with: Go for full-length glamour without hiding your masquerading feet. Sophia Kokosalaki’s Erato crepe-jersey dress brings strapless and gathered white drama. On Net-a-Porter for $1,950.