Rachel Roy Venturing into Designer Footwear

US creator Rachel Roy will launch her first designer footwear line this August, inspired by her mentor Manolo Blahnik although at a more affordable price point.

WWD reported January 30 that Roy's separate designer footwear line will include flats starting at $195 and pumps ranging from $225 to $325.

According to the creator the collection is "classic with a twist," and there are nods to Blahnik via textured looks and mixed materials such as wool and suede.

Roy, who collaborated with the 69-year-old Spanish creator for footwear at her past New York Fashion Week shows, also combines neons and other bold tones with motifs including animal print, polka dots and gingham.

"Designer shoes are one of the categories I've wanted to do but I was unwilling to do it until I felt I could really do it right," explained the creator, who sells her eponymous fashion line at www.rachelroy.com and her Rachel Rachel Roy diffusion apparel and accessories line at US department store Macy's.