These are the 4 designer shoe brands to invest in for AW18

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We've already sorted you out with which designer handbags you need to be investing in for autumn/winter, so now it's time to look at shoes ('Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet' said Christian Dior).

And while we know who the big players were last season (Saint Laurent thigh-high boots, Ganni cowboy boots, pretty much anything Balenciaga etc), we're keen to know which niche brands we need to snap up before they get too big - and sell out.

We asked the experts at Moda Operandi to share the designers they're backing for AW18.

A by Anabelle

Shop now: A By Anabelle Jardin Majorelle Amor Pump for £630 from Moda Operandi

Milan-based designer Anabelle Tsitsin is from Israel, and she launched her brand in 2016. They're super fun party shoes, with details that include a heart Swarovski buckle and Eiffel Tower heel. Our favorite style: #118 the Jardin Majorelle, inspired by Saint-Laurent's garden in Morocco.

Saptodjojokartiko

Shop now: Saptodjojokartiko Magani Bow Lambskin And Velvet Mule for £340 from Moda Operandi

This is huge in Indonesia, and launching exclusively on Moda Operandi. The designer's known for his embellishments and soft palette, and he's all about the flat mule - look out for the Fabergé egg-inspired ones. Stella Luna

The brand is hige in Asia. The pricepoint is sharp, with pieces that are modern and chic. Our favorite is the buckle slide that’s rendered in satin for upper, and canvas for the insole/sole. The brand's creative director is Capucine Safyurtlu, was a former French Voguette.

Neous

Shop now: Neous Calanthe Mule for £520 from Moda Operandi

London-based Neous are quickly making a name for themselves thanks to their beautiful paired back shoes and sculptured heels (creative directors Alan Buanne and Vanissa Antonious are inspired by architecture and art).

N0.21

Shop now: N°21 Billy White Sneakers for £475 from Moda Operandi

The lucky number and birthday of designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua, N°21 is all about balancing men's tailoring with ultra feminine details, so expect the unexpected. Think glitter kitten heels adorned with bows and chunky dad trainers.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.