We’re going to have to say yes. Sure reigning champs like Manolo and Jimmy aren’t about to be knocked off their thrones anytime soon, but Parisian Raphael Young is poised to give them a run for their money (heh). Young is a Korean born, French-raised designer who’s already gaining a cult following among fashionistas, especially in Europe and Asia. Like say, Christian Louboutin, his shoes designs are pure fantasy meets reality (as in, they’re totally wearable works of art), and he’s known for incorporating a mix of luxurious materials–like crocodile and patent leather–to create shoes that are stunningly sexy. But Young’s shoes go a step further (can’t resist!) by featuring whimsical, unexpected details like metal coils or curved wood pegs as heels. His shoes recently became available stateside at a handful of boutiques in NYC (Seven and Eva), but with an established name abroad and a rising profile in America, it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing Young everywhere. Check out more designs on his site. [Raphael Young] Keep reading »
