Putting aside for now the clothing side of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Autumn 2011 collection (which seem to have received quite the positive reception), lay your eyes on the footwear featured in the runway presentation. While the platform silhouette is nothing new, the materials story elevates the shoe to one of pure delight. More images of shoes on the next page, plus close-ups on hair, makeup, and JPG’s dramatically accessorized and manicured hands.

Spotted these on ME’s blog and had to share. Clearly Manolo Blahnik has pumped up the volume. While brass or gold tone chains would have been  in our opinion perfection, this is the definition of  hot in a sandal. Available at Neiman Marcus  .

Via WWD: New York-based designer  Rachel Roy has partnered with pro surfer Karina Petroni to roll out a capsule collection of Baja-print footwear for summer 2011. The line is comprised of a sneaker, wedge and flat espadrille detailed in bright, woven fabric.

“Growing up in Monterey, Calif., I was exposed to surf culture every single day, so partnering with Karina, the highest-ranked American East Coast female pro surfer, felt like a good fit,” Roy said, noting the collection blends her urban design sensibility and Petroni’s Panamanian heritage. “We settled on the Baja print [because] it reminds me of the surfers I was around growing up, and for her, it was authentic to the local artisans where she grew up.”

Priced at $50 for the slide, $99 for the high-top sneaker and $139 for the wedge, the collection is expected to sell at select Macy’s locations nationwide.

We’ve already gushed over these Gucci velvet sandals and now we gush again. But wait, there’s more! After the flip, a taste of the Italian luxury brand’s Spring accessory offerings, which include sandals, clutches and bags so rich you’ll want to roll around in them like rose petals on satin sheets. Via Style.