This month London designer Aruna Seth has been launching her Swarovski crystal-encrusted shoes at luxe West End venues The Ritz and Whisky Mist.

Last week’s invitation-only launch at Whisky Mist attracted a bevy of beauties and Z-list celebs (Ralph from The Apprentice, anyone?) to view and try on Seth’s range of stilettos, wedges, ballerina flats, boots and bridal sandals. All displayed to glittering effect in the VIP room among the club’s top-shelf whiskies, vodkas and liqueurs.

There were also complimentary tequila rose cocktails, chocolate cupcakes and displays of So Chic crystal jewellery and Susan Posnick cosmetics, against the club’s sexy-yet-classy dark decor.

Whisky Mist was opened last June by Mahiki founders Piers Adam and Nick House in the former Zeta Bar at the Park Lane Hilton as a hangout for the Mayfair crowd “between China Tang and Nobu”. Like Mahiki, it is smart and fashionable but not members-only (although membership is available) but even mid-week if you rock up after 11pm the queues will likely be right down the street.

Highlight of the Aruna Seth range is the Cinderella shoe (price on application) totally encrusted with some 3,000 Swarovski crystals, which takes 10-12 weeks to make.

For the more budget-conscious, the Cerise black or red snakeskin wedge (£725) has crystals overlaying the heel only and is one of Seth’s top sellers. The “Farfalla” (£435) is a fuchsia-pink satin heel with a crystal butterfly on each toe.

My personal favourite was the “Russia”, a stiletto-heeled ankle boot in black patent with a crystal “collar” around the top (£525) – although even that would require some dedicated saving!

The truly unconventional person who wants to mix the bling with the great outdoors may opt perhaps for the crystal-and-fur-trimmed “Elisabeth” aprés ski boot (£1,010). All are handmade in Italy and incorporate internal cushioning of soft quilted leather.

The entire range is currently available online (www.arunaseth.com) or by appointment at the Cadogan Hotel on Sloane Street. Other stockists include bridal boutique Caroline Castigliano. A standalone boutique in London is scheduled for 2010.