It’s supported by British shoe retailer Clarks, Agent Provocateur and perhaps one that you’ll be less familiar with, the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, who provide much-needed bursaries to enable talent to become top shoe designers.
We’ve known that the exhibition was in the pipeline for a little while, but it’s only this week that we’ve been treated to more of an insight of what exactly it will feature. The aim of the exhibition is to explore the obsession with footwear and why we’ll squeeze our tootsies into the most crippling of pairs in the name of fashion. So expect to see quite a few skyscrapers on display.
Image: V&A
The exhibition will feature over 200 pairs of historic and contemporary shoes from around the world, spanning from pure gold leaf covered ancient Egyptian sandals to 3-D printed pieces like Andreia Chaves’ Invisible Naked shoes above. There will also, of course, be a few pairs thrown in from famous individuals’ wardrobes, including some that have never been showcased before.
Expect shoes worn by or associated with Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Jessica Parker and Daphne Guinness, along with that standout pair of infamous Vivienne Westwood blue platforms donned by none other than Naomi Campbell in the 90s when she took that unfortunate catwalk tumble.
Tickets will be available to buy for £12 at the end of January at the V&A. We could think of many worse ways to spend an afternoon than being surround by beautiful shoes from the likes of Alexander McQueen and Sophia Webster.
