Charles & Keith goes signature

By Dinna Chan Vasquez

Call them ?killer heels? but women who wear high-heeled shoes would endure the pain and discomfort than settle for a pair of trainers.

According to a report by ABC News, Dr. Maria Angela Cerruto, a urologist at the University of Verona, Italy, found that the tippy-toe posture of heels can tone a woman?s abdomen and pelvic floor.

Cerruto?s study concludes that not only will a nice high-heeled shoe attract the man, it may keep him, too.

In a study to be published in the journal European Urology, Cerruto presented the results of her tests on 66 women under the age of 50.

She found that if they stood with their feet at a 15-degree angle to the ground (the equivalent of a 3-inch heel), the electrical activity in their pelvic muscles was less, which indicates that the muscles were more relaxed with higher heels, thus improving their strength and ability to contract.

Charles & Keith, a line of trendy and affordable footwear from Singapore, is known for its high-heeled pumps and sandals. It is the go-to brand of those who want something that doesn?t cost as much as a Loubutin but isn?t cheap-looking. In June 2007, it launched its Signature Label, a higher-end line that targets a different segment of the market. Unlike the original line, footwear under the label is crafted from authentic leather instead of man-made materials. The designs also feature more intricate details and ornamentation.

The Signature Label focuses on sophisticated glamour, which means that the shoes can still take you from boardroom to club. It is for those who prefer understated, timeless style over fads. This range will complement, not distract from, that work suit or little black dress.

Charles & Keith?s Philippine distributor Suyen Corp. launched the label with a fashion show at Greenbelt 5, where it also opened its 14th store in the country. Signature Label will have seven boutique locations in Indonesia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore and United Arab Emirates, aside from the Philippines.

The fashion show featured the line?s shoes, bags and sunglasses with creations of Joey Samson, Brian Leyva and Randy Ortiz.

Models went down the steps of Greenbelt 5 in towering heels, wedges, Lucite cone heels and reflective wedges in dark shifts with baggy pockets and sheer tops, colorful dresses and black dresses.

Signature Label is slightly more expensive than Charles & Keith?s original line. The designs are also bolder and more innovative.

Black is the standout color of the collection and why not? The color goes with almost anything and in patent, black takes on a whole new dimension. High-heeled oxfords, booties and tailored dress shoes were also dominant. Charles & Keith also showed off shoes with mirrored heels.

The designs may be trendy but practical. For example, the booties with elastics can be worn for several seasons. High heels and strappy sandals never go out of style. Two-toned shoes in combinations such as gold and black don?t go out of style.

Details such as bold zips and artsy geometric patterns make the designs very now but will not look dated in two years? time.

Present during the launch were Suyen Corp.?s big boss Ben Chan, who is also the man behind Bench; Charles & Keith group brand manager Kristine Lim and Charles & Keith International group marketing and communications manager Lau Tse Ling and group director Fong Shee Beng and celebrities like Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres, Maggie Wilson, Diether Ocampo and Isabelle Daza.

The Signature Label highlights uniquely crafted footwear and chic accessories for the fashionista. Charles & Keith operates more than 150 stores in Bahrain, Brunei, Cyprus, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

In the Philippines, Charles & Keith stores are located in Ayala Cebu, Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Festival Mall, Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Cebu, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Pampanga and Trinoma. Stores will also open on Powerplant Mall Rockwell and Eastwood Mall.