With so many choices available, we just cannot help ourselves from feasting on the wide variety of designs, colours, materials and functionality found in each pair.

However, as much as we can buy and collect, there is one thing which could stop us from purchasing a pair of shoes - our fear of wearing identical shoes with either a stranger or a friend plays a huge role in influencing our purchase.

Understanding the "want" for exclusivity, shoe designer Valerie Fan decided to explore a little further to tweak ordinary designs, adding in touches of her creativity.

Growing up with shoes is a unique experience Fan had and having a shoemaker father - who was always designing shoes for her - made Fan the centre of attraction during her school days. She was inspired by her father to venture into the shoe business, so she too can make ladies smile with her shoe designs.

So after four years of training at a shoe factory, understanding each process involved in shoemaking, and obtaining an advanced diploma in Fashion Marketing and Management, the 25 year-old started Solemate in Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

"We have been here for more than a year now. Even our shoe collection has expanded from ballerina pumps, peep toes, strap sandals, platforms, stilettos to a wide array of stains, crocodile prints and diamantes. I also do custom-made bridal shoes where brides get to make shoes which their gown could match," explained Fan.

Concentrating only on using Duchess satin and Mercury silk satin, each pair of shoes is manufactured in a Malaysian-based factory after designs are submitted. Customers have the choice to either submit their own designs or a custom-design is done by Fan according to their tastes and requirements.

"Shoes are priced from RM380 onwards for custom-made shoes without design extensions while shoes which are decorated with Swarovski crystals or imported semi precious stones and handmade flowers will cost more," added Fan.

Besides custom-made bridal shoes, Fan also imports shoe parts separately to be manufactured with ready-to-wear shoes to make each pair unique or one of a kind.

"My concept is more focused on how the gown matches the shoes, and not the shoes matching the gown. Solemate also provides custom-made bridal gowns, dinner gowns and coffee dresses priced from RM1,000 to RM2,000," Fan said.

"Our clients get to choose from our self-made embroidery and beading. For shoes, it will take one month for completion while dresses will take three months. In the near future, we will focus more on the gowns. It will be sold under The Wedding by Solemate."

For more information on Solemate, visit www.solemateboutique.com .