Basia Zarzycka

Anyone that knows me personally is aware of my deep and passionate love of anything that is...a heel. They have to be just right; the right point, the right heel, the right feel. Well, these are just the ultimate from London based, BASIA ZARZYCKA. She is inspired by the carnivals in Venice, Baroque and Rococo paintings, among many many others.

I am only aware of her spectacularly unique designs because a very stylish friend bought me a gorgeous calendar with a huge picture for me to enjoy every month of the year. It was impossible for me to even pick a favourite, so I behaved myself and didn't turn the page early.

Her beautifully decorated shoes are elegant and timeless as fashion accessories. Each pair is hand crafted and 100% exclusive. Zarzycka has created unique pieces of art, using her inspirations to add enchantment and fairytale into her work. She has a clear love for detail, which is expertly applied to each and every pair of shoes.

(Above) Floral Garden Beaded Court Shoes £1695,00

A Romantic colourful pair of fantasy court shoes embellished with sculpted bead flowers and fauna,in an asymmetrical design, using bohemian glass beads Swarovski crystals.

Her signature bridal collection is embellished with tiny silk flowers, silk petals and leaves, ribbon work, pearls, Swarovski crystals and fashion jewellery. These have been meticulously applied by hand. Judith Miller book called ‘Shoes’ feature Basia Zarzycka shoes and her own private collection of antique footwear.

A quote from the website which I particularly remember:

'A kaleidoscope of colours and texture. A luxury rainbow jewel box of fantasy and indulgence"

Hatton Crafts, Warwickshire

Set in converted 19th Century converted farm buildings the shopping village features 25 craft and speciality shops, an antiques centre and a clothes factory outlet. I have made regular visits there since I was a child with my parents and 6 siblings, more so with the sole intention of rides on Tristan the runaway tractor, falconry displays, farmyard tea-time, panning for gold and fun on the bouncy castles! Instead, the reason for my driving back there yesterday, was to eye up the costume rings in the antique centre, and stop off at the various craft shops.

Along my way, I was quite taken by the complete one-offs of 3 Dimensional Design Artist, Alan Wright.

Ian gained a first class honours degree at the Central St. Martins School of Art, London, and later became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and a Freeman of the City of London. Working with silver, gold, bronze and titanium Alan often uses images inspired by the natural world and merges two or more media. His work has been sold at Liberty and Garrards, London as well as pieces supplied to Kewait and the Sultan of Brunei.

An enormous amount of time, energy and effort goes into each unique hand-crafted item of jewellery. To see this man working in his studio, surrounded by what seems like millions of little intricate tools, makes you appreciate just where the £40+ price tags stem from. His skills don't stop here either, he had small framed pictures put together too, boasting sculpted molten metal. There was a complete set of about 6 or 7 moon/ellipse stages.

He glanced up and smiled as I entered his studio and made some light conversation, although I was slightly conscious I may be distracting him. Alan was so contented doing what he was doing. Creating problems, solving problems, and he is there doing just that 7 days a week from 9 to 5. A true artist, and one that you can meet and greet. Quite rare.