If you’re looking for shoes that stop traffic and start conversations it’s likely you’ll find your heart's desires met by one of the new guard of British footwear brands. While classic Italian cobblers play it consistently safe and sexy, London is where the industry looks for experimentation and excitement. And none are as innovative as Nicholas Kirkwood, who’s signature sculptural shoe styles have won him a shelfie’s-worth of trophies - including the British Fashion Award’s Accessory Designer of the Year. Twice.)

With his name-sake label founded in 2005, Kirkwood has a previous collaboration with Pollini under his belt and is the perfect name to shake up Bulgari’s classic snake motif bags - as part of their scintillating new Serpenti bag collection. Bedecked with a mash-up of varnished studs and matte buttons, the bags' gemstone shades - spinel pink, sapphire blue and gold - are slick, sharp and totally modern; the monochrome rucksack is a surprising addition and stand-out in the collection. It’s all about attention to detail. Nicholas says the studs have faceted ends, which “remind me of diamond settings and the spectacular gemstones I saw in the Bulgari atelier in Rome.” Best worn with spray-on black vinyl, white denim and a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood shoes, obviously.  

On-sale at nicholaskirkwood.com