Women’s shoes for formal events, in my opinion, should be peau de soie, and are extra lovely when trimmed with velvet or satin ribbons, or encrusted with rhinestones or glitter. Traditionally patent leather, while handsome and appropriate for men’s tuxedo shoes, is not apropos for shoes with formal evening gowns. Nowadays soft, metallic leather, as seen in evening shoe collections by Brian Atwood, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent, is suitable for black tie.

Seen on the red carpet at San Francisco Opera’s opening gala, September 2009 (photos by Tim Williamson):

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