One of my icks as a fashion editor is unwittingly wearing the same luxury investment pieces as someone else. I actively seek out more unusual colourways and finishes to minimise the chances, but even I’d make an exception for certain pairs of designer It heels. I've spotted multiple tastemakers stepping out in new, distinctive pairs from Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Prada, Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Gucci, and Maison Margiela these past few weeks. Whatever the occasion, these stylish women chose their specific designer heels over trainers or flats to elevate their outfits to unparalleled levels.
Instantly recognisable and highly desirable, these seven pairs of designer It heels epitomise the brands' unique heritage, design signatures and impeccable craftspersonship. Much like the fashion experts whose looks (and shoes) we admire, they share the same main-character energy, making them endlessly captivating and covetable. I have a working theory as to why these heels are so popular right now. Whilst these aspirational and often higher stiletto heels don’t really correlate with the economic austerity we’re experiencing, they do offer a striking take on the growing "anti-trend" style movement for pieces and outfits that feel less mainstream. If they aren’t already, I predict that these cult styles—some established and others soon-to-be—will be in demand for spring/summer 2026 and periodically revamped for seasons to come.
All is revealed below, and there's a thrilling range amongst the designer It shoes I’ve rounded up as the ones to watch. Beyond their trend-proof longevity, it’s also worth noting that owning a pair also means acquiring a piece of fashion history.
Shop 7 Designer It Heels Set to Become Cult in 2026:
1. Saint Laurent Vendôme Slingback Pumps
Style Notes: After processing the Saint Laurent show, which was filled with ’80s-tinged hits, I imagine that showgoers in Paris were asking themselves, "Which A/W 25 Saint Laurent slingback am I?" The rose-affixed Amalia Pumps were arguably the most romantic, whilst the drama of the Jeanne Pumps, with a Cassandre motif embossed onto the golden toes, was ubiquitous. But it was the glossy Vendôme pumps that really stole the show. I'd call them chic "bombshell" shoes. Undeniably sexy in every situation, the wearer immediately feels confident and powerful slipping them on.
Shop Saint Laurent Vendôme Slingback Pumps:
Note how Saint Laurent's trend-setting slingback heels include an elongated toe, narrow stiletto heel and glossy black leather upper.
Patent brown feels groundbreaking here, not just for Saint Laurent's sharp slingbacks, but also to wear alongside both the neutrals and brights in your wardrobe.
Matching an ombré burgundy lip to these Saint Laurent slingback heels would be sensational and most head-turning with an all-black look.
2. Christian Louboutin Miss Z Leopard Print Pumps
Style Notes: Many well-dressed people swear by Christian Louboutin's eye-catching Everlasting Red soles. Then the slightly elongated pointy Miss Z pump entered the chat earlier this year with an expanded toe box and padded insole to maximise comfort. Add leopard print and tactile calf hair into the mix, and magic happens. I think the versatility of animal print is wildly underestimated; think of it as a neutral with that bit extra. They make the biggest statement with minimal and monochrome looks.
Shop Christian Louboutin Miss Z Pumps:
Christian Louboutin's Miss Z leopard-print heels look more luxe than others thanks to the scale, colour and realism of the print, and the tactile calf hair.
Failsafe black heels are your secret weapon when short-notice events arise, so these Louboutin Miss Z heels are a no-brainer.
There's much to love about this sumptuous red suede pair. I know I'd enjoy playing with complementing the colour and clashing the texture.
3. Prada Antiqued Leather Pumps
Style Notes: At this point, it’s routine for Miucca Prada to spark a healthy obsession and debate with an offbeat shoe design that still manages to have mainstream appeal. On the surface, the imperfectly perfect raw-cut edges and visible stitching make these tapered, pointed kitten heels feel unfinished, but this is a deliberate move to challenge our perception of luxury and quality. Colourways are muted, and some commentators have identified a resemblance to traditional Indian footwear like Punjabi jutti and Rajasthani mojari, adding a non-Western context.
Shop Prada Antiqued Leather Pumps:
Expect compliments whichever way you style these very walkable Prada kitten heels; whether peeking out beneath loose jeans or framed by a midi skirt.
These aren't just any white heels; they're Prada Antiqued Leather Pumps, and a great partner to sportier outfits.
These pointy Prada heels will spawn plenty of copycats, but none will have the same meticulous attention to detail and quality.
4. Manolo Blahnik Maysale Pumps
Style Notes: Legendary shoemaker Manolo Blahnik created the Maysale, a heeled mule topped with a large Puritan buckle, for Issac Mizrahi’s runway collection in 1991, and the style really took off. Nicknamed Pilgrim, the chic style has since expanded into a collection that includes suede pumps in an array of rich tones. What makes the Maysale a rare and walkable staple is the sassy kitten heel, giving them a near-universal appeal that sees them passed down through generations. Just pick a colour.
Shop Manolo Blahnik Maysale Heels:
I can't think of an outfit that these black Maysalepump heels wouldn't enhance. Can you?
Manolo Blahnik's Maysale mules will add a spring to your step in any colour, but this particular shade of blue feels fresh for weddings and other springtime events.
I can't decide what to call this shade of red, but either way, it really pops against denim and other primary colours.
5. Chanel Two-Tone Slingbacks
Style Notes: Is it cliché to describe Chanel’s two-tone slingbacks as the ultimate modern classic? Their timeless elegance is simply unmatched, and even better, these polished heels are low enough to wear every day. Gabrielle Chanel first released them in 1957, and they’re now an important component of the much-copied French-woman aesthetic. The black cap-toe traditionally contrasts with the beige upper in a way that’s charming, sophisticated and never surpassed by seasonal design tweaks or reinventions using contemporary materials.
Shop Chanel Two-Tone Slingbacks:
The strongest case for "less is more" in shoe form you'll ever find, these Chanel slingbacks are a cornerstone of ageless style.
These are so Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel's former creative director), and would be a classic bridal option.
With just enough sparkle to catch the light without overpowering other pieces, these rhinestone Chanel slingbacks work day and night.
6. Gucci Horsebit Pumps
Style Notes: Creative directors come and go, but Gucci’s beautiful horsebit detail will surely be used forever as the gold hardware that symbolises the storied Italian fashion house’s equestrian origins. A discreet alternative to the unmistakable GG monogram, the interlocking rings and bar adorn everything from bags to loafers and high heels. These look-at-me pumps are dialled up with both, and are made even cooler thanks to the sharp pointed toe and cone heel that we’re suddenly seeing everywhere.
Shop Gucci Horsebit Pumps:
When you want to be extra, opt for these Gucci Horsebit pumps for a sophisticated take on logomania.
These classic Horsebit pumps are a conversation-starter when teamed with simple silhouettes.
Go big and bold with this chunky platform iteration.
7. Maison Margiela Tabi New Ballerina Heels
Style Notes: The viral "Tabi Swiper" TikTok story of 2023 proved just how sought-after the niche style is to those who were previously unaware. First launched in 1989 and inspired by traditional Japanese socks or shoes, die-hard fans and collectors revel in the avant-garde split toe, which boldly subverts any outfit. One of the more imaginative artisanal finishes is the painted-over "bianchetto" effect, and the style remains practical via block heels of various heights.
Shop Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Heels:
These painted Maison Margiela Tabi heels deliberately look like you could have painted them yourself, and I think they're gallery-worthy.
Parties, work meetings, dinner with friends… shake things up with these Tabis in an unexpected colour.
Every day will feel like an occasion in these, thanks to the sumptuous hue and directional silhouette.