Wow! It’s been a long break, almost a month. Not voluntary, of course. The workload of a graduate student is substantial. Even though I never stopped thinking of shoes or looking at them, I could not take any time to write anything that did not have to do with medieval history.
Picking up where we left off, some time back I promised to dedicate a post to two brands that had been previously featured on this blog, but never officially introduced.
They are Paco Gil and Paco Herrero, both well-established names in the Spanish shoes industry.
It is not only that the names go together (both Paco, an affectionate form of Francisco), but the companies also have a similar approach to shoe making and share a common base. Both design exclusively for women, both love designing curvacious high-heeled shoes, and both are based in Elda, Alicante.
Paco Herrero was started in 1955 by Francisco Herrero Soriano, a native of the region. Nowadays the firm is run by his grandchildren. Paco Gil is named after its founder, who started the business in 1982, after two decades of working for other shoe manufacturers in town.
If I were to describe the woman that I think these designers design for, I would certainly use the word “foxy”.
Let’s begin with Paco Gil.
These swell high-sided stiletto pumps have quite a profile. The patent leather bow adds more drama. Not for the faint of heart! They are currently being sold by YOOX.COM, click on the image to see what sizes are available.
I absolutely love what Paco Gil is doing here. The combination of black patent leather and red suede is striking. Usually, I don’t find moccasin style shoes attractive (to me they look kind of nerdy), but these are a perfect example of how a boring shoe like a moccasin can be transformed into a fashion statement. I can easily picture a hot female executive in perfect black pants wearing these. At almost 4 inches, the heel is quite hefty, but it’s also stable, with the base slightly wider than the top.
Next in foxiness are these Paco Gil snake print pumps in laminated leather, with a slender heel just under 3 inches in height. A cross between a pump and a shoe bootie, these shoes would look especially elegant with dress pants. The golden effect warms the eye. To purchase, click on the image.
This patent leather pump with an over-sized bow and a small kitten heel is from Paco Gil website. According to the description, it has foam padding for extra comfort and “glove-type” construction. I’m yet to find out what this “glove-type” construction really is, but it definitely sounds good.
This platinum and champagne colored high heel sandal is a lovely combination of mirror-effect (specchio) and textured leather. The buckle closure on the ankle strap is very elegant. These are your perfect “Dancing with the Stars” shoes!
Paco Gil obviously believes that a woman’s down time should not be less elegant than her glamour time. These gorgeous suede sandals in turquoise are anything but casual.
This coral and pink suede moccasin with its dainty heel is really changing my attitude toward mocs. (From the Paco Gil website).
The guipure embroidery of this stunning lace peep-toe bootie is mounted on a transparent mesh base. The heel is curved.
This delicious piece of shoe was created by Paco Gil for one of Spain’s most celebrated fashion designers: Francis Montesinos. See a post about him and other designers from Valencia here.
The good news is that Paco Gil online shop ships internationally.
Hope you enjoyed the first of the Pacos! Next, Paco Herrero.
