As early as the last quarter of the year, designers from the fashion capitals of the world predicted a no–frills, chic look with a touch of class for next season.

Even our local designers agree, as seen in their collections of light, airy fabrics, snug–fitting silhouettes and bright palette which graced the catwalks at several year-end fashion shows.

According to an AFP wire story, noted designer Betty Jackson suggested "something orange" for next spring/summer.

As for the style savvy and trend watchers of Manila, summer 2006 will see clothes in tints of yellows, pinks, peaches and plums, and a stark contrast of black, brown, navy and gray mixed with lots of texture for tailored outfits.

But while several designers matched their creations with an oversized necklace, a tote or a swanky belt, little attention is given on shoes — the one accessory that can make or break a fabulous outfit.

Basic rule: Colors usually follow the season and so with shoes… dark and pale shades for the cold spells and bright, playful shades for tropical weather.

"The star pieces are textured pumps in black. The round toe pumps in velvet, as well as pointed satin heels with cut–out back detail are very much in the spirit of what’s happening in fashion this season," noted Andrea Cruz, owner of the shoe boutique, Hotwind.

Wedges will be big in 2006, either in leather, cork, raffia or a mix of everything while ballet flats (which look good either with jeans or skirt) will still be in step.

Hotwind is a popular shoe brand in Shanghai with 15 branches in that city.

In the Philippines, Andrea opened Hotwind’s first venture outside China with a franchise outlet located on top of Nail Spa along Gamboa St. in Legaspi Village.

Months later, the store has branched out at Crossing’s The Ramp and in Glorietta 4.

The owner, who confesses to a fixation on shoes, brings in just two or three sizes per shoe design so as to avoid people having the same pair. Sizes range from 4 to 9.

"My partners and I really love their (Hotwind) shoes. Everytime we travel to Shanghai, we make sure that we bought something from Hotwind. Sometimes, we buy 10 to 15 pairs of shoes!," enthused Andrea.

A trend-watcher herself, Andrea predicts the comeback of comfortable wedges interpreted in more ways than one.

"It’s still leather for shoes next year in different treatments. One of the biggest trends in shoes for spring/summer 2006 is the raffia wedges. The fashion houses in Europe are going to come out with these," said Andrea.

At Hotwind, shoes are for the well-heeled.

Mounted on steel and acrylic plates against a brick wall, Hotwind shoes are, in a nutshell, works of art — at a fraction of the cost.

"Hotwind is very particular with details like, for instance, stitching on the footbed. Normally, it’s the expensive brands like Manolo Blahnik and Chanel which make beautiful shoes like these," said Andrea, showing a pair of peep-toe wedges with silver edging and reverse stitching.

Quizzed about what shoe savants should wear next season, Andrea suggested:

"Peep-toes are still in because it’s a classic cut, something you or your grandma could wear. I don’t see it going out of style anytime soon because there are many variations you can do with that particular style."