A wedge mule is generally a stylish choice, but this “Bettina” mule by Paloma Barceló is special.
As I’ve said many times before on this blog, I consider creations by Paloma Barceló shoe art. They are designed to look good from every angle, like sculptures. At the same time pattern and texture are also used to great effect. The luxurious “Bettina” wedge mule in black suede is a perfect example. Its curving lines are beautifully balanced and the play between the deepest black of the upper and the geometrical black and nude pattern of the woven jute wedge is mesmerizing. Not to mention the contrast between the natural toughness of the grass and the softness of the suede. Complete with its little suede-covered heel, it truly is a masterpiece.
This piece of wearable art is available from the Paloma Barceló online shop, which caters worldwide. At 205 euros it is expensive, but, compared to other designer shoes of the same quality, the price is actually moderate.
UPDATE: I did end up buying this beautiful wedge mule from the Italian online shoe retailer Luisaviaroma, where it was on sale. I wore the “Bettina” out for the first time this past summer of 2016. Generally, I like hovering on wedges, but a Paloma Barceló wedge is quite an experience, of course. It takes a few seconds to get used to the height. Overall “Bettina” is a good fit and stable, but it does seem to have been designed with a narrower foot in mind. Looking at the mule, I remembered a movie character named Bettina, from an older German teen flick, and it inspired me to create this collage on Polyvore.
