Sebastian Manes, Buying & Merchandising Director for Accessories & Womenswear at Selfridges, recently told Australian Vogue all about the main shoe trends he’s spotted this year, revealing that one of the most prominent is the architectural shoe.

“Many designers have gone more structural and architectural than in previous seasons. We are more than ever in statement shoe territory so it’s very stimulating visually. Great examples of this trend can be found at Prada, McQueen and Nicholas Kirkwood for Braganza” he said, going on to reveal how colour is being re-worked into these statement structures. “Colour is not new, of course, but this season it’s been given a make over. Motifs are worked into patterns and designs in creative ways. I love the ‘Pineapple’ shoe by Charlotte Olympia for instance.”

Talent Management has to agree, the ‘Pineapple’ by shoe designer and London ‘It Girl’ Charlotte Olympia perfectly encompasses 2011’s shoe trends in one – they’re boldly coloured, structured and embellished, making these platforms an instant hit of quirky cool.

Aside from this bright coral red, Manes went on to divulge what other colours have been hot this year: “I loved the split trend between white and tutti frutti. AF Vandevorst, Louboutin and Tods for instance have presented several white treatments on some of their classic shoes, and brands such as Dior and Charlotte Olympia have gone colour mad on their most outstanding shoes.”

The team here at the modelling agency have also noticed this split colour trend popularising, as well as lower heels gaining a bit of an edge. Manes spoke of his thoughts on the notorious ‘kitten heel’: “Kitten heels are hotter than ever in 2011 and you can see them in almost all the collections. I personally prefer the pump, which I find sexier. But it really is all about the shape and detailing of the design and ultimately how a given shoe fits a foot that matters above all else. Of course, high heels and stilettos will never go away and remain the best-loved heel. We have bought heavily in every category, from flats to the highest and most beautiful heels available to women!”

So there you have it, a round up of the hottest shoe trends seen this year – so go out and have fun with chunky, bright and bold footwear!