Venice’s Mona Moore specializes in unique looks straight from the runways
American Rag Cie
You’d be hard-pressed to find most of American Rag’s trend-right footwear at any other shop in town. The store’s sizable shoe department includes brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Fiorentini + Baker, and Camilla Skovgaard, but is known for stocking fantastic under-theradar labels including LA’s Ladyboy, Becca Moon, and Penelope and Coco—a boutique brand that makes studded boots and brogues and some of the most towering platform loafers around—as well as Jean-Michel Cazabat and Bloch. 150 S. La Brea Ave., LA, 323-935-3154
Christian Louboutin
Whether you’re talking about purple suede platform stilettos, tartan-fabric loafers, or ’70s-inspired cork wedges, Christian Louboutin’s styles are always daring, polished, and super sexy. And don’t forget that famous red sole—a flash of which inspires instant envy among nearby females. The French shoemaker’s WeHo store is an elegant jewel box for his beautiful footwear, featuring the brand’s latest and greatest. 650 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-247-9300
Don Ville
Rich, supple leathers and consummate craftsmanship are the hallmarks of this new custom footwear shop, which has its own full-service workshop on the premises. This is the place to make your footwear dreams come true. Custom consultations with veteran shoemaker Raúl Ojeda include taking foot measurements, discussing style preferences (stiletto or chunky heels?), and getting touchy-feely with dozens of leathers in a rainbow of colors. 113 N. La Brea Ave., LA, 323-932-9874; donville.com
Esquivel
Handmade brogues, boots, and loafers that marry old-school craftsmanship with modern flair are the forte of George Esquivel, a SoCal shoemaker who was a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist in 2009. Expect classic menswear styles with a rock ’n’ roll edge translated for women. To wit: Old-school suede wing tips heft a hot pink sole; classic black leather brogues feature a slanted white stripe; and black leather ankle boots are spiced up with bright purple laces. 8309 W. 3rd St., LA, 714-670-2200
Jimmy Choo
Find trendy wedges, “shooties” (half bootie, half shoe), hidden platforms, and even moon boot-style snow boots at iconic shoe brand Jimmy Choo’s deluxe Beverly Hills boutique. However, one need only inspect a basic Choo stiletto up close to be reminded that some of the most powerful fashion statements don’t require bells and whistles. 240 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-9045
Mona Moore
Haider Ackermann, Ann Demeulemeester, and Gareth Pugh are among the luxe avant-garde designers represented at Mona Moore, a shoe boutique that launched on Venice’s main drag to serious oohs and aahs in 2009. The shop specializes in the most out-there looks from the runways. 1112 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310-452-4070
Opening Ceremony
This haven of hipness features a huge room dedicated to high-style footwear from fashion-editor favorites Proenza Schouler, Repetto, Alexander Wang, and Thierry Mugler. The boutique also boasts a private-label shoe collection that’s ensnared some fabulous collaborators—from Rodarte to Robert Clergerie and Suno—over the years. Always on trend, the range of footwear styles is dizzying. 451 N. La Cienega Blvd., LA, 310-652-1120; openingceremony.us
