The Collectors Report 2016: Carmen Ow, The Shoe Aficionado

In our Collectors series, BAZAAR highlights six stylish women, who are as discerning as they are devoted to adding their obsessions to their supersized wardrobes and impeccably organised vanity vaults. Today, we drool over shoe aficionado Carmen Ow's fabulous collection

By Annabelle Fernandez - published 8 Apr 2016

CARMEN OW (@ROUGE KISSES)

THE SHOE AFICIONADO

Whether it’s meeting with real estate clients, attending galas, or shifting gears in her Ferrari, she pushes the pedal in the highest of heels. While her style is casual luxe with a minimalist vibe, her 200-strong shoe collection speaks otherwise.

What sparked your love for shoes?

I’ve loved high heels before I could even wear them. I was that little girl strutting around the house in my mother’s shoes, which were more than twice the size of my feet. I’ve not stopped since.

What was your first major shoe buy?

People always say you remember your first, but I really don’t. However, I remember loving a pair of pearlised ivory Mary Janes with a short heel when I was a little girl, and my parents had to keep repurchasing them in bigger sizes every time I outgrew them.

When did you start to build your shoe collection?

I injured the back of my foot when I was 20, and YSL Tribute sandals—with their open toe, sling back straps and comfortable platform—were the best heel option for me. Once I felt the comfort, I obsessed about colour and collected at least 20 pairs. Since then, I’ve developed a pattern and buy multiple shades of most shoe shapes I love.

What are you currently obsessing about?

Pointed toe pumps by Jimmy Choo, Dior (that emblematic heel!), and Manolo Blahnik’s—I managed to get my hands on the Something Blue Satin Pumps that Carrie Bradshaw used to christen her new Manhtattan home with Mr. Big.

What are your most special pieces?

A pair of metallic python Fifi heels by Christian Louboutin. They were a birthday present from my then boyfriend, Bryan, who is now my husband. My second favourite would probably be a pair of hot rod car-inspired Prada wedges from spring/summer 2012 that I spent quite a while hunting down.

What do you regret not buying the most?

Charlotte Olympia’s earlier designs, and more recently, a black satin pointed-toe pump with an oversized bow and crystal-sphere heel from Roger Vivier’s Rendez-Vous collection.

This is the fifth of a six-part series. To see more from The Collectors Report 2016, click here.

By Dana Koh

Photographed by Darren Gabriel Leow

Styled by Windy Aulia

Makeup: Toni Tan/My Makeup Academy using Chanel

Hair: Grego using Sebastian Professional

Photography assistants: Darren Chan, Gabe Chen, Zantz Han

Assistant stylist: Debby Kwong

Additional assistance: Gaby Aw

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