Shoe Spotting at PFW

Nicole Puentevella of Soule Phenomenon sent me a message via Facebook regarding her latest shoe release.  Apparently, this style made an early cameo in the recent PFW, in Don Protasio's collection—so proud of her!

Don't you just love the wooden platform, the shiny leather wedge, and the faux pony hair bootie? :D  I heart!  Of course, I immediately said yes to Nicole; and I'm still waiting for my pair ;) In the meantime, read my article (in Manila Bulletin) below to learn more about Soule Phenomenon and Don Protasio :D




Another Leg Up For Footwear Arsenal
Edgy, architectural statement shoes from a virtual collaboration


Shoes have become the hot and haute accessory the past years. Sky-high heels, platforms, and gravity-defying wedges have been a staple on the runways and in every fashion blogger’s closet. A chockfull of aspiring shoe designers and small-scale entrepreneurs have even ventured into producing and selling limited pieces for the local market.


One such shoe brand that we think is fast rising in the Philippine fashion scene is Soule Phenomenon. Put up by Bacolod native Jan Nicole Puentevella back in 2008, it started from her love of statement shoes that eventually blossomed into a customized-shoe business. After a year of making made-to-order pieces, she decided to make shoes on hand and available so that clients wouldn’t need to wait.


Barely two years old, Soule Phenomenon’s shoes definitely caught our eye at the recent Philippine Fashion Week series. “The collaboration started when a good friend of mine, Mike Magallanes, suggested to (fashion designer) Don Protasio that I should make his pairs for PFW. There, I got to chat with Don online via Facebook (since he is in Cambodia), exchange of ideas sprang through then,” shares Puentevella.

Although similar to London-based shoe designer Julia Lundsten’s styles, the shoes, we have to admit, were able to execute the architectural designs well. After all, this is what Soule Phenomenon is all about: “We wanted to make affordable yet stylish shoes. That’s why choosing the most-wanted pairs (which aren’t readily available locally) that are edgy and reasonably-priced are our goals.”


Protacio adds, “Early on, I was very sure about the feel of the shoes. I wanted it high for both male and female. I wanted it graphic and sculptural. She suggested the suede texture and the perched heel, which I love. My collection is very urban and inspired by traffic police uniforms, so we thought of pushing for a very strong and almost subversive style of footwear.”

Like with most local shoe designers, production is very limited for this style—only 19 pairs are available. Expect more wedges (which they are quite known for) to be released before the year ends. Visit Soule Phenomenon at http://gladztolove.multiply.com and http://soulephenomenon.blogspot.com; or send an e-mail to soulephenomenon@gmail.com. Look for them in Facebook (Soule Phenomenon); or text/call them at 0916-3375506.