Photo Courtesy of Prada

Photo Courtesy of Prada

Photo Courtesy of Prada

Photo Courtesy of Prada

Photo Courtesy of Prada

Now that the holiday countdown is speeding ahead, Prada has turned the clocks back to fit the relaxed pace of its master shoe crafters in Italy. The San Francisco, South Coast Plaza, and Beverly Hills boutiques have tables filled with a plethora of leather uppers and soles waiting to be paired up this season. Prada’s Oxford-inspired Mirco Soles for women are now available in a made-to-order format for which devotees select from pastel and metallic leathers or more masculine brown and black versions for the brogue-style shoe. Next, mates for the uppers—bright platform soles—must be chosen. There are soles with black-and-white stripes or rainbow colors (our fashion editor opted to pair black leather with blue, white, and black soles), and once the shoe is complete, there’s one last aspect to be determined. Initials can be embossed in gold inside the shoe so there will never again be a question about ownership. In six to eight weeks, when sandals are finally given a rest for winter, the custom shoes will arrive. All in good time.

By Annina Mislin and Elizabeth Varnell

Pictured: Prada Made-to-Order Micro Soles