As a shoe designer, we are enamored by thoughtful, exquisite designs. Bella Belle’s Designer Collaboration program is the medium that allows us to collaborate with other designers whose art we respect, resulting in a fresh creation that each may not otherwise do on her own. This season, it is our honor to collaborate with Claire Pettibone on a capsule collection that speaks to her whimsical aesthetics. Each of the shoe design has that quintessential, exquisite Claire Pettibone touch: embroidery, touch of nature, and hints of colors. Claire was hands-on for each aspect of the design, and we enjoy the creative process with her.

 

From Claire:

Just like every woman, I’ve always loved shoes! Even on my own wedding day, I embellished a simple pair of Ivory pumps with lace and flowers. This collection was inspired by many of the same elements that comprise my wedding gowns…details from nature with a touch of the whimsical and ethereal. I created embroideries and French lace motifs, along with Guipure appliques to trail along the foot, and pretty straps and delicate heels to accent the legs. These shoes make a perfect accessory for a Claire Pettibone bride, and add a feminine touch to any wedding ensemble. They would even be a gorgeous look for bride’s maids! Shoes are a favorite accessory for all women, and a way to show your personal style.

Collaborating with Bella Belle was so effortless. They interpreted my sketches and ideas into the final creations utilizing all of their expertise. We went back and forth, refining the scale, the placement, and the shapes until the end result was perfect. I love that they use silks and fine materials, and yet maintain an approachable price for their clients. My dresses are often paired with Bella Belle shoes, in fact, in almost every styled shoot I receive, we’re together, so when they approached me to design a capsule collection, I was beyond thrilled. The chance to put my romantic sensibility to one of my favorite accessories was a dream come true! #ClaireXBella

CLAIRE PETTIBONE X BELLA BELLE COLLECTION

FREYA

A little “something blue” for a romantic nod to tradition. The Freya shoes make a delicate, romantic finishing touch with a double ankle strap, and tiny flower buds blooming on the heels. Just a tiny hint of shimmer with silver threads intertwined with ivory and baby blue embroidery and a few dew-drops of clear sequins.

GISELLE

A classic bridal pump doesn’t have to be boring! I chose one of my favorite French embroidery patterns with a gorgeous scalloped edge to embellish this design. The silk ribbon bow is a nod the iconic ballerina. One of my favorite elements here, is that the bow is removable, so you could choose a streamlined look without it, or customize it with your own ribbon if you want to get creative. Classic ivory, or maybe you have a signature color. You could even use this as a place to incorporate an heirloom piece by creating a bow of antique fabric.

FLORA

I’ve always loved a touch of color in my bridal gown collection, so for me, Flora is a quintessential Claire shoe. Pale blush flowers with sage green and rose gold accents embroidered onto blush silk satin. This shoe is the ultimate romantic for sure! A little vintage, a little whimsy, and all of nature’s beauty wrapped up into an utterly romantic statement piece.

MARIPOSA

Lace butterflies have become one of my signatures, so of course I had to create Mariposa! Iridescent blooming vines are stitched on the mesh upper, and Guipure lace butterflies have landed to take a sip of nectar. At the back, two winged lovers have found each other, so when your heels are together, they make a sweet pair. The butterflies are hand-tinted, so each pair is unique, and this shoe is available by special order as a limited edition.

Photography: Jeremy Chou

Floral Styling: Chloe and Mint