Alexandre Birman is known best for his trademark use of exotic skins: python, crocodile, lizard and ostrich, to name a few. Founder of his namesake couture label, the Brazilian footwear designer combines intimate details like braided trims and carved wood platforms with his mix of richly coloured suedes in a sexy and non-typical manner. Highly publicised in 'Gossip Girl', Birman is the designer on everybody's lips.