7 Pairs You NEED To See At The V&A's New Shoes: Pleasure And Pain Exhibition
As the latest V&A exhibition gets set to explore our love/hate relationship with high heels, we take a look at the unmissable shoes on show that you simple CANNOT miss...
As the latest V&A exhibition gets set to explore our love/hate relationship with high heels, we take a look at the unmissable shoes on show that you simple CANNOT miss...
The V&A is appealing to shoe addicts everywhere right now by putting more than 200 pairs on display in a new exhibition called Shoes: Pleasure and Pain exhibition, which opened on 13th June.
Ever the realists, the exhibition will not only explore the euphoria of wearing those perfect platforms, but also the very familiar agony of wearing shoes that are uncomfortable, too high or just not actually designed for real feet - We’ve all been there!
Here's our pick of the 7 best shoes on show...
1. The Disney Cinderella slipper by Swarovski The ultimate fairytale shoe, Cinderella’s slipper is without a doubt one of the ultimate spots while taking in the exhibition. Created by Swarovski under the direction of Academy Award-winning costume designer, Sandy Powell for the Disney film which was out earlier this year this is one slipper we wouldn’t lose like little ol’ Cinders.
2. Roger Vivier for Christian Dior Credited with creating the stiletto heel – the source of much pleasure and pain in our lives - Roger Vivier collaborated with Dior from 1953-63 when the designer’s New Look brought attention to the ankle and foot. Oft called the ‘Fabergé of shoes’, Roger and Dior’s designs were only afforded by the wealthiest members of society, much like the owner of these shoes, Mrs Gloria Loel Guinness who was a member of one of Europe’s richest families.
3. Invisible Naked Version by Andreia Chaves Designed in 2011 by Andreia Chaves, these shoes were created combining leather working techniques and advanced 3D printing technology. While the inner leather pump means that these can (and should) be worn, they’re definitely also a case of shoe-as-sculpture.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
4. Parakeet shoes by Caroline Groves This beautiful pair of bird-like sandals was custom-made for Hedvig Andersson using actual bird wings and vintage French silk by London-based traditional bespoke shoemaker, Caroline Groves.
5. Leopard Print Boots by Vivienne Westwood Part of a unique outfit which Westwood made for her friend and customer Gerlinde Costiff, these snazzy boots were most likely worn to one of the infamous fancy dress Kinky Gerlinky club nights which Gerlinde and her husband were creators of in the 70s with a full on leopard print get-up.
6.Jimmy Choo sandal Not the only Sex & the City shoe to feature in the exhibition, these feathered sandals made their appearance in the 1998 SATC episode, ‘I have lost my Choo’ where Carrie loses her show while racing for the Staten Island ferry. What we would do to wear these beauties!
7.Wedding paduka A traditional wedding gift to Indian brides, these silver sandals – known as paduka - were the epitome of luxury and only one of many extravagant gifts which the bride may receive on her special day. The height of the sandals platform may seem a little excessive to us, however, they served to make the bride stand out among the crowd so she could be admired by those who attended.
The V&A’s Shoes: Pleasure and Pain exhibition is supported by Clarks, Agent Provocateur and the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. Opens on 13th June. www.vam.ac.uk/shoes
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Why Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie won’t be spending Christmas with the royal family this year
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Nancy Meyers’ surprising revelation about ‘The Holiday’ is going viral
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly set for a major lifestyle change in 2025
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
These fancy flats will make you hang up your heels
Because cool (and comfy) flat shoes do exist...
By Penny Goldstone
-
The kick-ass shoe quotes to live your life by
To celebrate #ShoesFirst (Marie Claire's ode to fabulous footwear) we're charting the best ever shoe quotes. From Victoria Beckham to Jimmy Choo, it's time to get inspired by some of our favourite footwear designers and fashion icons...
By Marie Claire
-
#MyLifeInShoes: Camila Carril explains why choosing your shoes first always works
And the hot new shoe brand she’s wearing...
By Leonie Eastwood
-
Trend Timeline: The definitive history of shoes
It’s #ShoesFirst month at Marie Claire and to celebrate, we’re charting some of the most influential and iconic design developments in footwear history.
By Caroline Leaper
-
#ShoesFirst: 21 reasons the stars love Sophia Webster
From Kendall Jenner to Blake Lively, shoe designer Sophia Webster’s celebrity client list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood royalty and fashion insiders.
By Caroline Leaper
-
#ShoesFirst: Jimmy Choo’s anniversary collection is the stuff of red carpet dreams
Meet the Memento collection...
By Caroline Leaper
-
#ShoesFirst: Christian Louboutin Launches Nude Flats For Everyone
Christian Louboutin is expanding his Nudes For All collection...
By Caroline Leaper
-
Nail The 70s Shoe Trend With Schuh
AW15 is having a 1970s-themed throwback fashion moment, and, when it comes to shoes, Schuh have got an on-trend pair for every occasion.
By Marie Claire