Forget Manolo, Jimmy and Christian. There's a new shoe designer in town and her name is Kristi Kozak. Kristi, who hails from the South Shore, will debut her first collection at an exclusive trunk show at Stel's on September 9 and 10. And remember, dear readers, you heard about her here first.

"I've always loved shoes... from the first time I can remember," said Kozak during a recent chat with getsugar. "I wanted to [design my own shoes] but I didn't know how to get into it, so I researched it on the Internet." She came across a workshop offered by Emily Putterman, who is, said Kristi, "the shoe guru in New York -- she knows everything." Putterman, a well-known instructor in "the cobbling arts", teaches classes at the Jewish Community Center, Pratt Institute and FIT, among others.

Kristi's passion and hard work paid off. Her first collection features 10 handmade styles that use luxurious and exotic materials such as python, stingray and mink, which she sources on monthly trips to New York City. The shoes are not necessarily for every day. You're more likely to wear them to a grand event than to the office because of the somewhat theatrical designs, including iridescent white python peep toe pumps wrapped with plum colored silk ribbon; gold metallic Mary Janes adorned with mink tails; sumptuous buttery black leather slouchy boots; and 80's inspired black and white striped pumps with an chic bow. But isn't that the fun of wearing great shoes? To be a bit different, a bit frothy and to have some fun?

When it came time for Kristi to look for a store to carry her collection, she was drawn to one of Boston's fashion forerunners. "I went to Stel's Christian Louboutin event and met [co-owner] Tina," said Kristi. "Stel's has done a lot for the Boston fashion scene... with the exception of Louis Boston and maybe Neiman's, they're the only ones who make people aware of designers they haven't seen before."

Retail prices range from $275 to $550. To place an order now, contact Stel's or Kristi directly at kkozak@kristinakozak.com. And to see the collection in person, don't miss the exclusive trunk show September 9 & 10 at Stel's.

Stel's, 334 Newbury Street (Hereford Street and Mass Ave.), 617.262.3348, www.stelsinc.com