Photo by NOEL B. PABALATE

The name says it all. Payless Shoesource has answered shoe fanatics' prayers with its arrival in Manila. Promising designer shoes at discount prices, Payless has long been on the tongues of shoppers who frequent the States for their fashion fixes. The shoes and accessories were put on display at a showroom event held on July 21 as an effective tease for more. From the number of brands that the store will house, top designers such as Cuban-American Isabel Toledo (now famous for the yellow dress and coat that she designed for US First Lady Michelle Obama), the ultra-feminine Lela Rose, and Christian Siriano of Project Runway fame take top billing.

Dedicated to women’s shoes and accessories, these three designers each lend their individual styles to the already wide range of options that Payless carries. Lela Rose’s collection includes flats and shooties (shoe booties) that feature intricate cutout patterns in suede. Isabel Toledo features feminine flounces, such as pompoms, ribbons, and light, metallic hues. Christian Siriano keeps it safe yet edgy with a dark, predominantly black palette with gold embellishments that tie the flats, heels, and bags all together.

From children’s to men’s, Payless is pulling out all their guns for the Manila market. Teeny Toes, Smart Fit, and Nickelodeon cater to tots and teens alike, while Dexter, State Street, Jeff Staples, Snyder Sport, and Rugged Outback answer all of men’s needs from casual to dress shoes. Popular streetwear brand Airwalk has offerings for women, men, and kids that will make trawling down streets and through malls a comfortable endeavor. However, it’s the women’s selection of shoes that takes the cake, with styles from Dexter, Fioni, Predictions, Lower East Side, Montego Bay Club, and Zoe and Zac that ensure that every woman will find something at Payless. And that doesn’t include the bags and accessories that the stores will carry.

As for pricing, “we’ve tried to keep them as low as possible to keep true to the brand’s identity,” promises Reissa Barzaga, merchandising manager for Payless. While other famous fashion imports have come with hefty price hikes that seem unavoidable, Payless has been able to maintain the affordability that its clients have come to expect. Men’s and women’s shoes peak at around P2,500, excluding the designers collections, and the kid’s shoes fall below P1,000. “We also will be bringing in the bigger sizes as well. Up to size 13 for some styles,” shares Barzaga, erasing fears of limited size stocks.

“We are democratizing fashion,” announces Anton Huang of retail leviathan Store Specialists, Inc. By pegging style at a cost that more can afford, Payless is gearing to shape the fashion forecast on the streets of Manila. It takes its first step as it opens its first store in Festival Mall today, while eight more stores are set to open in the rest of the year. By 2011, shoppers will be able to enjoy paying less for looking great at Shangri-La Plaza, Market Market, SM Megamall, Ali Mall, Rockwell PowerPlant Mall, Greenhills Shoppesville, Robinsons Galleria, and Marquee Mall in Pampanga.