Louise Goldinis is a London-based designer known for her edgy silhouettes, futuristic fabrications, and bright colors.  I love how she balances sexy with sharp.  Her spring 2010 collection also included shoes that are so aggressive that they’re kinda cute – they’re so densely and luxuriously embellished with spikes that they look like they were crafted by someone who didn’t realize the hardware is seeped in punk and S&M.

It was cool and kind of unrealistic to think that Goldin’s first footware collaboration with Topshop would translate this piece to the high street, and do so with the spirit of the shoe in tact.  Photos of the Topshop shoes just surfaced.  They’re depressing.

I’m all for legit design at all price points, which is why I think the tickle down from high end to mass market is sad.  Mass market items should have their own identity as well as design that considers the economics as creative limits rather than a barrier to cheat.  Some great design emerged as solutions for  everyday needs at a budget – jeans, T-shirts, and even the concept of RTW.  Instead, we usually see poor knockoffs that are compromises and not independent takes on the zeitgeist.

Here are two shoes from the Louise Goldin SS 2010 show followed by two more styles from her Topshop collection.

On the upside: you can drive with the Topshop shoes and not destroy your car’s mats.  Oh, and Goldin gets some income from these knockoffs, at least.

The three styles of Louise Goldin x Topshop will be available from February 5 at Topshop for £150 (about $240)

Tags: Fashion/Design, Louise Goldin, Topshop