Jimmy Choo's Abel Champagne Glitter. Photo provided to China Daily

Heart and sole of fashion

Wearable culture

Today's pumps may be worn to ride modern public transport rather than horses but it's still a wild world when it comes to choice. Every shoe brand on the high street to high fashion has several interpretations but not all court shoes are created equal.

A few elements to consider: quality, materials, cut, color and, most crucial of all, heel height. Choosing the shoe to put your best foot forward becomes quite a daunting fashion situation.

The court shoe may be the most basic and reliable footwear, yet its subtlety or flamboyance immediately makes a statement about a woman's sense of chic and proportion.

Bertrand Mak, Asian brand partner of Rupert Sanderson, who is opening its first store in China in Shanghai's IFC mall at the end of April, says: "As always the most important consideration is whether one can confidently handle one's shoes, and they are not overpowering, whatever the style. If one cannot walk gracefully, it completely defeats the purpose of wearing heels."

Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo, echoes the idea. "The most important thing is to know your limits. There is nothing more uncomfortable to witness than a beautiful girl struggling to walk in a pair of heels."