A few of my favourite things #2

When Salvio’s Dancing Shoes set up shop in Sydney in the mid-1920s to produce handmade footwear, I bet they didn’t expect their classic slippers to turn into the staple of the modern woman’s wardrobe they’ve since become.

This family-run business produces all sorts of dance shoes – from flamenco pumps to Russian boots – but their ballet flats made for streetwear are my favourite (well, I’m no dancer, so I’ve not much choice).

I have lost count of how many pairs I’ve bought over the past 5 years… each summer I order at least one new pair, to arrive by post. Silver and pewter don’t usually last more than a season because I wear them until they fall from my feet, but red ones such as the pair below tend to kick about for a few years.

I love that the shoe size is still punched by hand on the very soft leather soles beneath. And that if you have oddly-sized feet, you can simply trace an outline then fax or email Salvio’s, and they’ll make you a pair to fit.

Where else can you buy handmade shoes for just over $70 a pair? Love love love.