Nothing gets me giddier than discovering a brand-new designer with a hell of a potential to blow up. It's the reason I can often find myself in a 2 a.m. Instagram hole, eight pages deep, my Saved folder overflowing with new discoveries. It's why I'm likely to stop strangers in the street and inquire about the origins of their outfit or throw an out-of-the-blue DM someone's way—see something, say something, right? For someone who scouts the internet every day for the best shopping, uncovering a new-to-me brand I'm infatuated with is a serious thrill.
Lately, my Saved folder has been racking up a lot of new shoe designers that offer a completely fresh perspective. Each of their designs feels undoubtedly unique, a tough feat in the current age where it feels like everyone's wearing the same thing. From the It girl obsessed Italian brand making your new favorite party heels to the Brooklyn-based line making you rethink the cool factor of mary janes, I'm sharing seven new brands you might not have heard of yet but definitely will soon. Go ahead and stalk the following designers at your leisure. With love, from my Saved folder to yours.
Amina Muaddi
You might have seen the shoes popping up on Italian It girls left and right before you knew of the designer. From crystal-encrusted bubblegum pink mules to futuristic iridescent pumps, Amina Muaddi's shoes satisfy every fashion girl's fantasy.
Midnight 00
Ada Kokosar is a regular on the street style scene, so her foray into footwear is knowingly making a splash with plastic ruffle-textured heels made for an after-dark world.
Matteo Mars
After designing at Antonia Berardi and Elie Saab, Matteo Mars launched his own eponymous label in 2017. The sculpted stilettos and kitten heels effortlessly toe the line between modern art and footwear.
Suzanne Rae
Suzanne Rae's fun-loving shoes are both feminine and feminist, and for anyone who considers that to be an oxymoron, one look at the collection will incite a knowing nod.
Yuul Yie
The South Korean brand puts a quirky spin on its classic ankle boots, mules, and loafers with playful embellishments like pearls and an egg yolk-shaped zipper.
Nicole Saldaña
The NYC-based designer is known for her part grunge-part whimsical shoes that are popular with an indie fashion loving crowd like Bella Hadid, Slick Woods, and Jorja Smith.
Wal Pai
Wal Pai's sturdy, minimalist-leaning sandals are the kind you'd spot on L.A. creative types outfitted in the same earthy aesthetic à la clothing brands Apiece Apart and Shaina Mote.
Speaking of It items, these are all of the fall pieces that have gone viral (so far).
