Balenciaga Avenue Bow patent leather sandals

The Balenciaga Avenue Bow patent leather sandals is the brand at its most pared-back, prioritising fit and finish over flourish.

Upper: Bovine Leather, Sole: Bovine Leather, in black, UK 2 — the kind of detail that's easy to miss until you're holding it.

The kind of piece that earns its price tag through wear rather than first impressions.