Franco Moschino, the charismatic, irreverent Italian designer and artist, responsible for such lines as Moschino Couture, Moschino Cheap and Chic and Moschino Jeans, started his now famous multi-brand fashion house in Milan in the early ‘80s after several successful years as an illustrator/sketcher for houses like Giorgio Armani and Genny. It was his love of art and pop culture that led the designer to imbue his own line with his whimsical nature (think his famous tees with a spoof of Chanel No. 5), creativity, love of all things Italian and his disdain for the established fashion culture. It was also this disdain and rebel spirit that got Franco into trouble many times with established houses, such as Chanel, for copyright battles. Regardless of these minor and not so minor inconveniences, with the help of his best friend, muse, sounding board and design collaborator, Rossella Jardini, he grew his business to include not only his main line, but the imaginative Cheap and Chic, Moschino Jeans and his successful fragrance lines, as well. His untimely death in 1994 saddened the fashion world by losing such a free spirit and rebel, but his company has thrived in spite of that with Ms. Jardini at the helm of the company, continuing Franco’s visions and spirit of the brand.

Here at Couture.Zappos.com, we are fortunate enough to have not only the Women’s and Men’s main shoe lines, but also the delightful Moschino Jeans line, the Cheap and Chic handbags and accessories. Couture’s favorites: Moschino’s Italian flag colored leather sneakers for men, the signature red platform strappy T-strap sandal for women, the Fresh Fruit Mix tee for men and the modernized pilgrim collar, candy-striped button-front shirt for women, Molte Bene!

Ladies, the shoe baton has been passed, Christian Louboutin is officially the current shoe God usurping the long standing Mr. Manolo. As reported by the New York-based Luxury Institute, Louboutin shoes are the most sought-after shoe brand of 2008. This is not news to the true fashionista because she already knows, covets and collects them without any shame or remorse at the $800-plus sticker price. But to others who feel that a brand must advertise (which Christian does not), must be mentioned in hot shows or movies (think Sex And The City, where he was not mentioned) or be on every ‘It’ starlet (rare) to be a hit, this must come as a huge surprise. What is it that draws so many to this brand? Could it be the draw of the red sole, which is distinguishable from any other shoe whether a woman is striding down a city block, sitting in a restaurant with her legs crossed or getting in and out of her Maybach? Is it the exquisite craftsmanship, the sky high heels or the many varied styles that could make you spend every paycheck on a pair? I’m not sure what it is for other individuals, but for me, my pulse quickens the moment I see the sole. For many that is both the draw and the deterrent, because what happens once the sole is worn out? Well, if you are like I am, you find the cobbler who will replace the sole with a red one, of course.