Walk this way



At last, a reason to be excited about our new street. SHOES! And gorgeous designer shoes at that! So far I've chosen to ignore the furtive spread of high-street names as I fear for our identity (more on this in my Costa Coffee article - and as for Starbucks - just add an extra shot of nausea).

Anyway, at last! Something to celebrate. A mouthwatering, independent shop ripped from the pages of Harpers and airbrushed into Knutsford. Shoes are always fine in my book, but exclusive designer shoes direct from Mayfair set all my senses tingling.

I caught up with proud new owner, Sandra Gough, the day before opening. There, among the shiny new exhibits, she told me her dream had taken three years to realise. Zapatos Designer Shoes is an entirely new venture for this former teacher but she has persevered through the delays and frustrations, determined to bring the Brit designers out of London and provide the NW with the kind of choice normally reserved for Southerners.

Sandra credits her daughter, local girl Sally, with the original vision and asked me to thank her for her support and eye for style. The shop is proof of the latter. Immaculately designed, unashamedly plush, complete with walnut catwalk, spotlights and plasma screen to bring out the model in all of us. Zapatos is Spanish for shoes, and English for quality. You can feel it as you walk in. But don't be afraid. The prices are the same as you'd pay in Manchester, but without the petrol and parking. Plus you'll be made welcome by Sandra's much-valued manageress, Debbie.

As for the shoes, they are in a league of their own; The kind of vertiginous heels you can still walk in, platforms that are sexy, flats that look elegant, classics that look chic all beautifully made and a testament to the best designers from around the world. Luckily Sandra's suppliers have matched her patience and trusted in her vision.

For those of you that want names - try Rupert Sanderson (now not only available in Harrods), Pedro Garcia (dresses feet for The Oscars), Beatrix Ong (glorious for satins and wedding shoes) Gil Carvalho (as worn by Kylie) Georgina Goodman (designs for Alexander McQueen) and Philip Treacy (for exquisite occasion bags). Add to these more familiar names like Moschino and Lulu Guinness and you have the Zapatos box of delights.

I'd like visitors to remember Knutsford for a unique shopping experience.
I'd like local ladies (and those from Hale, Wilmslow and Alderley,) to love
Knutsford because we have something special. So, best foot forward, ladies. Zapatos Designer Shoes is great news. It means the spirit of independence is alive in Knutsford. Let's give it some well-heeled support.

Girl About Town