Edmundo Castillo

When it comes to accessories, Giovanna Battaglia prizes her shoes above all. When she last counted, about two years ago, she had over 350 pairs in her possession. Comfort is never an option, so while she does own ballerinas and sandals you will most likely spot Gio running around in spectacular heels. She collects various designers including Prada, Giuseppe Zanotti, Dolce & Gabbana, and Roger Vivier but Edmundo Castillo, who says that shoes are makeup for the feet, holds a special place in her heart.

This shoe designer caused a storm in the fashion scene when he launched his own shoe label at the beginning of this century. He scooped the coveted Perry Ellis Award for Accessories Designer of the Year in 2001 and opened his own New York City store two years later. His elegant designs in bold colors forced fashionistas to don their trainers to outrun colleagues when his new collections arrived, so it came as a shock when the designer announced that he planned to stop his own label to become creative director of Sergio Rossi.

But now the Puerto Rican born shoe designer is back with his own line after six years working at Sergio Rossi. His "Light Sandal," a beautiful wedge that actually lights up, immediately made headlines due to its groundbreaking LED technology. "I aim to bring footwear into the 21st century," says Castillo. "Designing shouldn’t be about looking back. It’s about moving forward." What sets him apart is that instead of being a slave to trends, Castillo designs shoes that will be a part of your wardrobe for years and remain relevant. He is also a big believer that the shoe shouldn’t be wearing the woman. This spring Castillo surprised his fans with a number of designs featuring a kitten heel. "The high heel is sexy but it's also turned into something vulgar. Anyone can make a high heel these days. There's something in kitten heels that seems fresh."

Edmundo Castillo photograph courtesy of Getty Images. Shoe image courtesy of edmundocastillo.com.