Category Archives: exhibitions

All hail, it’s “raining men”: the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is venue for ‘Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear 1715 – 2015’- an exhibition chronicling 300 years of men’s fashion!

19 Tuesday Apr 2016

Posted by in exhibitions, fashion and history, fashion exhibitions, fashion fun, fashion historic reference, fashion innovation, history notes, history of fashion, mark your diary, menswear, menswear designers

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Throughout history, men’s fashion has been

a compass of direction for style trend setting.

From ancient to contemporary times,

there has been distinct periods during which

menswear has gloried in “peacock” display.

 

…

Celebrating menswear design of the

flamboyant, avant-garde, revolutionary and style-making

the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

hosts a new show entitled:

Reigning Men:  Fashion in Menswear 1715 – 2015

…

Menswear

from then, to now

lacma, reigning men, latfusa.com

(image from latfusa.com)

 

…

This exhibition traces the development of singular elements of men’s fashion.

It is an intricate examination of menswear

beginning with the opulence of 18th century dress:

jacket, long waistcoat, knee breeches;

and culminating with study of the innovative genius

of leading contemporary menswear designers:

Yohji Yamamoto, Hedi Slimane,

Thom Browne, Walter Van Beirendonck and more.

…

“Milord”

18th century men’s dress

shirt with ruffled collar/sleeves

to the knee brocade jacket

matching long-length waistcoat and breeches

mens fashion, 18th century, vam.ac.uk

(image from vam.ac.uk)

…

It’s a groovy kind of thing!

outfit by

by Belgian designer, Walter Van Beirendonck

for a/w  2001

lacma, reigning men Walter Van Beirendonck outfit, a_w 2001

(image from lacma.org)

…

Showcased are 200 looks which serve to highlight

the five specific subject areas which serve as foci of the exhibition:

Revolution and Evolution

East and West

Uniformity

Body Consciousness

The Splendid Man

…

Given, that in current fashion vernacular

menswear is translated into a dress directive adopted by all

this exhibition is of much import and relevance:

a definite must-see.

…

lacma, reigning men, daily trojancom

(image from dailytrojan.com)

…

Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear 1715-2015

10 April to 21 August 2016

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles, California

 

…

For further details, visit

http://www.lacma.org/ReigningMen#landing

 

…

Mark your diary! : an exhibition chronicling 300 years of fashion history (18th C. – present) at Musée des Arts Décoratifs- Paris, France

11 Monday Apr 2016

Posted by in exhibitions, fashion exhibitions, fashion history, jewellery, mark your diary

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Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts)

housed at the Palais du Louvre (Paris, France)–

is the venue for an extraordinary exhibition, which chronicles

three hundred years of French fashion from the 18th century to present day.

 

 

…

The show,  entitled

Fashion Forward, 3 siècles de mode (1715-2016)

 

runs from 7 April to 14 August 2016.

 

On display are 300 articles of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing

which are taken from the museum’s extensive and permanent collection.

 

…

 

 

In addition, jewels and textiles from the timeline highlighted will be on view.

 

…

Fashion then

sapphire-blue brocade suit with gold leaf motif

circa 1730 – 1740

musee des arts decoratifs, suit, 1730-1740, brocade, lesartdecoratifs.fr

(image from lesartdecoratifs.fr)

…

Fashion now

In red hues

avant-garde, structural, provocative silhouette

from Comme des Garçons

summer 2015

musee des arts decoratifs, elle fr

(image from elle. fr)

…

The show offers a comprehensive and historical narrative of fashion specifics:

an informative and visual treat, not to be missed.

 

 

…

Fashion Forward, 3 siècles de mode (1715-2016)

at the Musée des Arts Décoratif

from 7 April to 14 August 2016

…

For further details, visit:

http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/en/exhibitions/forthcoming-events-1365/musee-des-arts-decoratifs/fashion-forward-3-siecles-de-mode-1715-2016

…

 

 

 

Mark your diary ! the Victoria and Albert Museum – London hosts a new exhibition on the lure of underwear

22 Monday Feb 2016

Posted by in exhibitions, fashion and art, fashion historic reference, Victoria and Albert Museum

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At dress between

by meappropriatestyle

 

Partially clothed, a state of ‘undress’

has is seductive qualities

not totally bare

yet almost there, a moment in time suspended.

Neither fully clothed,

nor totally bare

this is to be in ‘underwear’.

 

…

 

Underwear has long been part of our dress habits.

The ancients wore a type of undergarment-

a loin cloth covering the genital area.

During Roman times both men and woman

donned some manner of under clothing-

a sort of pants for man and for women a band of cloth around the chest.

In the medieval era, even a type of “breast bag” was introduced-

a proto-type idea of the modern bra (1913).

…

‘Breast bands’

A segement of a mosaic in the Villa Romana del Casale,

Piazza Armerina, Sicily, 2nd to 4th century

illustrates women wearing ‘breast bands’ while

participating in athletics

underwear, va, medieval breast bands, historymedren.about.com., mosaic of women athleteswomenathletes

(image from historymedren-about.com)

 

…

More commonly, during the medieval period and later the Renaissance

most people wore only a chemise:

a simple linen shift shirt.

…

White chemise exposed

in a painting by

Meister S. H. von Linz (circa 1490 / 1500)

 underwear, va, painting by meister s.h. von linz, chemise, pinterest.com

(image from pinterest)

…

The wearing of undergarments, however

was not a universal practice or considered of particular necessity.

Rather it was more of limited luxury

and certainly only adopted by those of the wealthy classes.

…

By the Renaissance,

underwear fashion had begun to define silhouette.

In the 16th century, European women

were subjecting themselves to wearing

constrictive under clothing (corsets)

in the pursuit of achieving figure altering forms.

…

Towards the end of the 19th century

severe health issues from body deformative results

of tightly stayed corsets

were well documented features of women health concerns.

…

‘Foot to back’

woman being tightly laced into her corset (19th C.)

underwear, va, Victorian woman being laced into coreset, ntlworld.com

(image from ntlworld.com)

…

In the past, undergarments were worn more for practical purpose

as a protective layer, between body and outerwear-

one measure to limit the need for constant washing of outer garments;

and as another layer of warmth.

Today, underwear as practical fashion

and lingerie as fashion ‘for certain eyes only’

is no longer strictly so.

Their new status is of fun / flirty pieces on full display.

 

…

Lingerie and underwear as outerwear

 s / s   2016

from Givenchy

underwear, va, lingere outerwear, givenchy s 16, vogue uk_

…

from Saint Laurent

underwear, va, saint laurent s16, vogue uk

…

from Dries Van Noten

underwear, va, dries van noten s 16, vogue uk

(images from vogue uk)

…

As with all clothing / fashion trends

‘under-wearing’ practices has experienced many changes and intent.

The exhibition

Undressed:  A Brief History of Underwear

chronicles the style transitions and current trends

of under garments from past eras (mid 18th C.) to present time.

This illuminating exhibition is not to be missed

for it sheds further light on an important aspect of dress history.

…

Undressed:  A Brief History of Underwear

at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

16 April 2016  to 17 March 2017

Visit http://www.vam.ac.uk for further details

…

 

 

Mark your diary ! : British Vogue heralds in a centenary of publication with an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London

24 Sunday Jan 2016

Posted by in exhibitions, fashion = clothes, fashion and history, mark your diary, photography

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The National Portrait Gallery, London

is venue for the exhibition

Vogue 100: A Century of Style

in celebration of the centenary anniversary of British Vogue

launched in 1916.

 

…

Linda Evangelista

photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, 1991

Vogue 100, npg, linda evangelista by Patrick demarchelier, 1991

(image from the telegraph uk)

…

 

The show features almost 300 photographs

from the magazine’s archival collection-

truly a photographic history of memorable fashion moments.

 

…

 

“The Second Age of Beauty is Glamour”

photography by Cecil Beaton

vogue 100, npg, The Second Age of Beauty is Glamour by Cecil Beaton

(image from the guardian uk)

 

…

 

Vogue 100: A Century of Style

National Portrait Gallery, London

11 February 2016 – 22 May 2016

…

 

Mark your diary ! : Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) presents a new exhibition on the history of denim- ” Denim: Fashion Frontier”

12 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by in denim, denim-wear, exhibitions, fabrication, fashion and history, fashion exhibitions, fashion historic reference

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The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), NYC

is a state school of higher education.

Founded in 1944, it remains one of the premier centres for

study in fashion and design.

Renown alumni include, among others-

the designers Michael Kors, Francisco Costa, Nanette Lepore.

 

…

The Museum at FIT is recognised for its informative and innovative exhibitions-

well worth a visit for all interested in fashion design-

highlighting historical perspectives and future vision.

…

The upcoming show

Denim:  Fashion Frontier

(1 December 2015 – 7 May 2016)

will examine the import of denim wear

from its origins as labour apparel for its sturdy quality

to high-fashion attire and mainstay fabrication for its versatility.

…

Denim as work-wear

American miners, 19th century

denim history, 1800 MINERS, urbanoutfitters, co.uk

(image from urbanoutfitters uk)

 

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Denim as fashion / style statement maker

denim on denim ensemble

jacket / wide leg trousers wtih fringe details

denim wear, fringe hem to jacket pocket and trouser hem, ladies, vogue uk

 

(image from vogue uk)

 

…

Denim:  Fashion Frontier

Museum at the Fashion Institue of Technology (FIT) – NYC

1 December 2015 – 7 May 2016

…

 

 

A Garden Great Escape : Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, 2015

06 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by in events, exhibitions, inspiration

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The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

is the world’s largest annual garden/flower show event.

 

…

 

Set on the grounds of historic 16th century Hampton Court Palace

a favourite residence of British monarch, King Henry VIII-

the show is a spectacle of offerings all things horticultural:

inventive garden design installations (traditional as well as conceptual models)

colourful flower/plant displays of exotic and native species

expert specifc advice and general gardening tips

healthy eating cookery seminars

stalls selling all manner of gardening products from the quirky to the mundane

 

 

…

(image from landmarktrust.org.uk):

Hampton Court palace

 Hampton Court Place

first owned by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (c. 1515)

and with his fall from royal favour

then seized by Henry VIII in 1529

…

Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

this year’s festival (30 June to 5 July)

is one of congratulatory jubilation

as the show celebrates its 25th anniversary.

 

 

…

 

(photos by meappropriatestyle):

Hampton Court Flower Show, 2015

Happy 25th!

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

…

 

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, 2015

Continues in bloom, 25 years on

…

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Unique colour and patterning

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hampton court palace flower show, 2015

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Funnel shapes

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hampton court flower show, 2015

At attention

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hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Colour bursts

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hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Teatime in lush surroundings

…

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Modern, Minimal

…

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Just hanging about

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hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Succulent varieties

…

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

Topiary

well clipped and groomed

…

hampton court flower show, 2015

Soaring to new heights

aviator scarecrow

…

hampton court palace flower show, 2015

A bird’s eye view

…

hampton court flower show, 2015

Metallic bronze

“water plants”

…

hampton court flower show, 2015

…

hampton court flower show, 2015

Follow the yellow paved road

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A new ‘reign’ of Rayne: The Fashion and Textile Museum, London hosts the exhibition ‘Rayne Shoes for Stars’

15 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in accessories, Accessorise Me!, exhibitions, fashion and business, fashion and film, fashion and history, fashion news, mark your diary, shoes... glorious shoes, womenswear

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This year’s fashion exhibition summer season is all about the shoes.

 

In addition to the show-

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

the Fashion and Textile Museum (FTM), London

will also host its own shoe exhibition, which chronicles the history of

celebrated British shoe label:  Rayne.

The exhibition highlights a sampling of over 100 shoe models

from the Rayne archive.

…

(image from vogue uk):

rayane, shoes, mary jane orn by tallulah bankheand d34bc695-3361-429e-aff0-6d4fca6fd6b8

Worn by Tallulah Bankhead

American actress of stage and screen from the 1920s – 1950s

…

(image from the designmuseum):

rayne, shoes

Satin with jewel encrusted buckle

…

Founded in 1885, as a family concern

the Rayne shoe company rapidly became the popular supplier of

bespoke costume shoes for the London theatre community.

By the 1920s a selection of Rayne retail stores had opened and

in 1959 the famous flagship boutique was established at the prestigious

retail local of Old Bond Street, London

…

Rayne shoes became a mark of the “well – heeled” lady.

Worn by Hollywood starlets such as

Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, Bridgette Bardot, Diana Rigg

and donned by members of the British royal family-

Rayne shoes were highly sort after footwear:

particularly given that the present British monarch

Elizabeth II wore Rayne shoes on her wedding day.

…

rayne, shoes

The future Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day

20 November 1947

The royal bride worn Rayne

…

(image from vogue uk):

rayne, shoes

The actress Vivien Leigh and Mr. Rayne, 1945

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rayne, shoes

The actress Diana Riggs in Rayne boots

…

rayne, shoes

Black satin pumps with jewelled heel and brooch

worn by Elizabeth Taylor

…

(image from the dailymail uk):

rayne, shoes

Brown, suede plaforms worn by the Queen Mother, 1945

…

rayne, shoes

‘Cleopatra sandals’

worn by Elizabeth Taylor during filming of the movie Cleopatra, 1963

…

rayne, shoes

Worn by Brigette Bardot

…

(image from rayneshoes)

rayne, shoes

Black/white colour story, bejewelled

circa 1950s

…

Throughout its prestigious history,

many noted designers including among others

Norman Hartnell, Mary Quant, Bruce Oldfled

have worked/collaborted with the Rayne label.

…

In 2013, the Rayne brand was relaunched

now appreciated by a new generation of fashionistas.

The exhibition at the FTM is

in recognition of  the label’s history and

in celebration of ‘the new reign’ of Rayne.

…

(images from rayneshoes):

The new ‘reign’ of Rayne

Edith

rayne, shoes

red satin

…

Beatrix

rayne, shoes/boots

knee high boots, champagne hue, leather, embroidery

…

Adele

rayne, shoes

wine colour, patent leather, grosgrain bow detail

…

Lillian

rayne, shoes

ankle boot, black, leather, floral embroidery

…

RAYNE Shoes for the Stars

The Fashion and Textile Museum, London

Until 30 August 2015

…

For further information on the FTM exibition, visit:

http://ftmlondon.org/ftm-exhibitions/rayne-shoes-for-stars/

…

For additional details on Rayne shoes, past and present

visit the company’s website at:

The Palazzo Strozzi (Florence, Italy) presents the exhibition- Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World

28 Thursday May 2015

Posted by in art discussion, art exhibitions, exhibitions, mark your diary

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The Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy

currently hosts the exhibition

Power and Pathos:   Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World

Wonderfully presented in thematic approach, the exhibition is a triumph-

a treasure trove showcasing over fifty impressive works of bronze sculpture

from the Hellenistic period.

That many of the works on display are of relatively recent discovery,

found in the last century-

adds to the excitement, novelty and allure of this magnificient exhibition.

…

The Terme Boxer

also known as the Boxer of Quirinal

found at the foot of the Quirinal Hill, Rome in 1885.

bronze sculpture, the terme boxer, palazzo strozzi

Dated circa 330 B.C., the sculpture is a famed masterpiece.

It is intensely expressive, depicting a seasoned pugilist at rest

with cauliflowered ears, broken nose, fine muscularity-

left bruised, cut, exhausted from a recent, gruelling match.

 

(image from cultureconcept)

…

The Hellenistic era dates from the death of Alexander the Great, 323 B.C. to

the fall of his acquired domains to the Romans in 31 B.C.

His empire stretched throughout the Mediterranean and Asia Minor.

Following his death, these land conquests were divided among his generals.

Ruled as separate dynasties, no longer politically united,

they shared the Hellenistic mark of Greek culture and civilization.

During this period, bronze was the medium of choice for portrait sculpture.

Artists were able to manipulate the metal material to effective use-

resulting in works of realisitic impact in physicality and emotive projection.

…

The exhibition at the Palazzo Strozzi

brings together remarkable scuptural works of the Hellenistic era

on loan from many prestigious museums

from around the world including among others:

the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), the Louvre (Paris)

and British Museum (London).

The show runs until 21 June 2015.

…

It travels next to the The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

from 28 July – 1 November 2015.

…

An exhibition, not to be missed

Power and Pathos:

Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World

at the Palazzo Strozzi, Florence (Italy)

until 21 June 2015.

…

For further information, visit

http://www.palazzostrozzi.org/mostre/potere-e-pathos/?lang=en

…

Mark your diary! : The Fashion and Textile Museum, London hosts a new exhibition on Riviera Style – resort and swimwear fashion

23 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by in cultural events, exhibitions, fashion and history, fashion exhibitions, mark your diary, resort wear

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For decades the holiday destination of choice

for the wealthy, the famous,

members of royal houses,

Hollywood stars and bona fide celebrities

was the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur).

Situated along the Mediterranean coastline of southern France-

it has been the place to see and to be seen for fun and sun.

…

(image from boat-charters.tv1):

french riviera, map

Map of the French Riviera

destination … Fun in the Sun!

…

(image from barrysbest.net):

resort, nice france, 1950

Boulevard in Nice, France (1950s)

…

Yet, the Cote d’Azur

was not always the playgorund of the well-moneyed.

Until the late 19th century,

it was a region little visited and impoverished.

All changed when in 1882, a local paper

published an article declaring what was needed:

“… visitors, more visitors and more visitors.”

(quote from British Airways Highlife Magazine).

…

A little over a month after the article appeared,

the then unknown fishing village of Nice, Cote d’Azur,

hosted a most illustrious visitor:  the reigning British monarch-

Queen Victoria.

She would return time and time again.

…

The rest is history

as tourism would blossom into the main revenue-generating source

and the natural beauty of the area would feature in many Hollywood movies.

…

(image from neonscope.com):

resort wear, grace kelly , 1955, scene from to catch a theif

On the sands of the Cote d’Azur

a scene from the movie:  ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ (1955)

American actress Grace Kelly

sports a sun-kissed yellow backless, print dress

with matching head band and statement white framed sunnies

(In 1956, Ms. Kelly would marry Rainier III, Prince of Monaco)

…

Today the individual towns, among others-

Monaco, Nice, St. Tropez and Cannes (home of the Cannes Film Festival)

are widely known.

The beauty of the area is undeniable:

spectacular beaches, glorious weather, flower-ladden landscape.

…

Holiday-making in this part of the world

sparked a specific brand of fashion:  resort wear.

The styling lent itself to the lavish, sun drenched, beach and yachting lifestyle.

…

(image from wearona.com):

resort wear, yachting

Yachting, tres chic

…

The Fashion and Textile Museum, London

will host a comprehensive exhibition

on the glamourous clothing and styling of resort wear.

From a historical perspective, chronicling resort wear over the last century-

the show features garments specific to the this fashion feel:

bathing costumes, palazzo trousers, boat neck breton tops and more.

…

(image from thefabuloustimes.com):

resort wear, brigitte bardot

A young Brigitte Bardot

 ’50s and ’60s, actress and fashion model

wears the classic Riviera style

boat necked, striped Breton top

…

In addition, the exhibition examines modern fabrication of

current resort wear garments for fit and feel.

…

A modern twist

resort wear,  s / s 2015

by designer, Vera Wang

(images from style.com):

resort, 15, vera wangresort, 15, vera wangresort, 15, vera wang

…

The show is well-timed to inspire one’s own

retro-look or a modern take on Riviera fashion

for this summer season scene.

…

RIVIERA STYLE Resort & Swimwear since 1900

22 May – 30 August 2015

The Fashion and Textile Museum, London

For further details, visit:

http://ftmlondon.org/ftm-exhibitions/riviera-style-resort-swimwear-since-1900/

…

Mark your diary! : The Victoria and Albert Museum- London will host exhibitions on ‘Pain / Pleasure’ and ‘Savage Beauty’

01 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by in accessories, avant garde, costume history, design inventive, exhibitions, fashion and history, fashion historic reference, history notes, iconic shoe, mark your diary

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The Victoria and Albert Museum, London

is venue to two of the spring/summer seasons’

most anticipated fashion exhibitions:

 

 

…

 

Alexander McQueen:  Savage Beauty

14 March – 2 August 2015

First showcased at the Metropolitan Museum – NYC (Spring 2014),

this exhibition is a must see.

…

The show charts the creations of celebrated fashion designer

Alexander McQueen

from his graduation collection show in 1992

(MA degree from Central Saint Martins – London)

to his unfinished collection,  a/w 2010.

Regarded by many as one of the most

inventive, provocative and original designers-

Mr. McQueen’s legacy to fashion is evidenced still,

years hence since his suicide in February 2010.

The show is the first retrospective on his amazing talent and oeuvre.

 

 

(image from meetville.com):quote, alexander mcqueen

 

…

Items from the exhibition ‘Savage Beauty’ , displayed at

The Metropolitan Museum, spring 2014 

(images from blog.metmuseum.org):

alexander mcqueen, savage beauty, images, met…

alexander mcqueen, savage beauty, met, images

…

(image from fashiontimes.com):

alexander mcqueen, savage beauty, met, images

…

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

13 June 2015 – 31 January 2016

 

If shoes are your ‘Achilles heel’ of fashion

from a perspective of historical study or fanciful shopping spree,

then this exhibition is sure to delight:

“(e)xamples from famous shoe wearers and collectors will be shown alongside a dazzling range of historic shoes, many of which have not been displayed before.”

(quote from vam.ac.uk)

Two hundred pairs of shoes comprise the exhibition-

displaying footwear worn in ancient times to those of modern use.

 

 

…

(images from vam.ac.uk):

 

 

The shoe:  chopines

V and A, shoes_ chopines, vam.ac.uk main_image

 

A platform shoe popular in Venice, Italy from 1400 – 1700

worn by ladies of the aristocracy and ladies of the night.

The original intent of the shoe height

was to keep skirt hems raised off dirty streets.

Later height served to indicate the level of the wearer’s societal status.

…

 The shoe:  wedding toe knob pudaka

V and A, Wedding-paduka shoe, india, 1800 vam ac.uk

 

Silver, gold, wood

India, 1800s

…

(image from independent.co.uk):

 

The shoe:   Armadillo

V and A, shoes-pleasure_pain, indpendent.co uk shoes by mcqueen-spring-2010

 

Alexander Mcqueen, Spring 2010

…

 

At the Victoria and Albert Museum, London:

Alexander McQueen:  Savage Beauty

 

For further details and ticket information, visit:

 

http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/3373/alexander-mcqueen-savage-beauty-4777/

 

…

 

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

 

For further details and ticket information, visit:

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/shoes-pleasure-and-pain/about-the-exhibition/

 

…