I favour a few but I'm not really bonded to one brand or something. And shoes are a very very personal thing I think.... but for instance I like 'Lloyd' shoes, um, some of them that is. Sounds very English but the brand is German and they make good quality stuff, fairly priced and like stated, some are beautiful as well. 'Doc Martens' have nice ones also but have a lot of boot like shoes....
I tend to like a Dutch brand also but they are quite expensive. 'Van Bommel' or nowadays nephew 'Floris van Bommel' make real stylish shoes. 'Timberland' have cool leather shoes also but they are maybe a bit more casual or outdoorish. Apart from the somewhat faggoty style, do the Italian make some cool shoes as well.
I don't know, CL, it's too much of a personal thing.... to each his/her own thing but I like lashed shoes made out of leather, broad healed, dark coloured, not bling-bling shining, um, styleful ones. But you are in the design world (midst), you probably have a keen eye for beauty and style.... so, probably I cannot really help you here.