Heels to ride home in

Get caught in Charlotte’s web and discover the latest luxury shoes, handbags and accessories from renowned British design brand Charlotte Olympia, which recently opened its first stand-alone boutique in Thailand and Southeast Asia at the Emporium Shopping Complex.

Inspired by the work of owner and designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal, the brand is much appreciated for its high craftsmanship, dedicated details and adorable gimmicks.

Even the logo is influenced by Dellal’s favourite book, EB White’s children’s classic “Charlotte’s Web” and each pair of shoes sports the easily recognisable insignia on the sole. All designs are handcrafted in Italy using only the finest materials and the brand’s signature prints –of which leopard skin is one – femininity and arresting use of colour add elegant yet playful touches.

In Thailand, the store is being run by Beige Group’s Duangkeaw Dhakdidhumi and Nalinee Worawongwasu, both of them long-time fans of the British shoes and bags. 

“Since we started importing Charlotte Olympia shoes almost five years ago for sale at the multi-brand store Cloud 9, we knew this day would come. The brand has done incredibly well in Bangkok,” Duangkeaw says.

“It’s so exciting to see each of Charlotte Olympia’s new creations. It is like entering an imaginary world that’s centred on shoes! And her distinctive clutches are really unique,” Nalinee enthuses.

Spread over 67 square metres, the new footwear boutique encapsulates the spirit of the brand and is inspired by bygone Hollywood glamour. Set against the distinctive backdrop of brass panelling and a dazzling mirrored wall stand both the latest collections and the designer’s Encore line. The eponymous line is characterised by attention to detail across a range of daring accessories that cry out to be worn with Olympia’s famously whimsical and feminine footwear.

The satin Paloma pumps are pure luxury, presenting architectural style with a feminine flourish. The elaborate fan detailing at the back as well as the calfskin leather lining and sole offer a theatrical edge that adds to the glamour. The timeless Dolly is a modern classic with its distinctive gold metallic “island” platform. This best-selling pump boasts almond toes and vertiginous heels.

The vivid Kitty flats are a combination of modern design and classic silhouette. The mini golden heel exhibits pure luxury and the cat-face embroidery adds a fun, young, and unexpected touch. 

Partygoers will love the Charlotte Olympia Perspex Pandora clutches, which add the perfect statement to evening outfits. Each design is totally unique, with imaginative shapes and quirky adornments creating a bold finish.

One of the most popular additions to the brand’s spring and summer 2015 range, It Happened Out West encompasses impossibly high heels, wedges, ankle boots, sandals and clutches in everything from sky blue denim, barley shades and Appaloosa prints to kaleidoscopic tie-dye and silver hologram calfskin. 

The collection includes Round Up platform sandals with cowboy and bronco design veneer heels, chic Round Up Maggie clutch bags and platform wedge Gene sandals that pair perfectly with the Ami tote.

Cherokee, the chief of all platforms, stands tall with feather-shaped cut outs and beaded designs embellishing the Pocahontas t-bars. Moccasin Kitty flats in wheat suede with an embroidered cat’s face on the uppers are ideal for daily wear while the “Dreamy Maya” gladiator boots and “Bronco Booties” in chestnut suede will light up outfits for both day and night.

The collection also incorporates stunning clutches including the tortoise-print Perspex Pandora, Worth Its Weight, a gold-bar-shaped clutch with engraved details, Smokin’, a highly addictive accessory with inlay detail and chain strap, and Daddy, I want a Pony, a delightful clutch in Appaloosa print ponyskin.

To celebrate her first Thai store, Dellal is also offering her specially designed, limited edition “Thailand” capsule collection featuring the Dolly shoes covered in Thai silk.