Feeding the Shoe Monster.

Shoes are like the candies of a chic persons' diet. Nothing tempts me like a well crafted, gorgeous pair of shoes - Nothing! Even if my better self gets the upper hand and I resist, I at least have to give the pair a second look. There's no cost for browsing, right? In NYC, ignoring the craving is a tough task; I step out my front door and there's a Prada store a stone's throw away! Back home in Trinidad? Easy Peasy... My sweet tooth just doesn't buzz for ill made pleather shoes, knock-offs, rip-offs, and the lot.

It's no different across the region, really. If you're intent on finding a pair of comfy, well crafted shoes from the Caribbean, bet your bottom dollar you're going to be searching with a fine tooth comb. That's because most stores seem to adore the "Made in China" label on their shoes - Have you ever seen a major shoe brand that originated in the Caribbean? Or an international shoe brand that's 'Caribbean' in essence/ownership? Or even a Caribbean Designer branching out to shoe making? Generally, no, and the same thing applies to most hot accessories... But there are some designers and artisans who are bravely stepping up to the fore.

Take Bridget Sandals of Jamaica, for instance; I've pictured one of my favourite designs from her collection above. Handmade with genuine leather and crafted by request, her shoes are feet-friendly and exquisite. She's been in the shoe making business for the past 20 years, but you'd never know because her shoes aren't the ones selling in the malls and popular boutiques. So why shouldn't style savvy Caribbean folks have access to great stuff in the islands?

Now I know there's the 'Brag Factor' when you're strutting along with the shoes you brought back from London/NYC/Wherever, and nothing's wrong with that. In fact, I've got a pair of red leather ballet flats I bought in Italy that I'm currently beating to a frazzle - and they still look damn good! The point is, you should be able to buy an equally reliable, original and snazzy shoe back at home if you wanted to. Imagine how many shoes you could get with the cost of the airline ticket alone...

Salut!

LMN Harris.