REAFFIRMED

The history of 20th century men's footwear is more a study in subtle style shifts than radical reinventions of the shoe. Classics such as oxford and spectator became staples of male attire and served to reaffirm rather than redefine masculinity. The few times over the century that shoe designers challenged convention and introduced new shapes into men's shoes stand out as remarkable anomalies in men's dress.

REVOLUTIONIZED

Some of the most remarkable transformations in women's footwear happened during the first three decades of the 20th century. As hemlines rose, boots were abandoned and shoes increasingly became a fashion focus. Their design also began to reflect the shifting mores and desires of the modern age. The T-straps of the 1920's signaled the speed would define the era and the glamourous sandals of the 1930s ushered in the age of relaxed elegance.

REDEFINED

The 1940s, 50s and 60s were pivotal decades in the history of women's shoe design. The innovative platforms of the war years continue to inspire shoe designers today. The invention of the stiletto in the early 1950s, refined the high heel to its most elegant form and established it as a feminine icon. The introduction of wit and whimsy in 1960s shoe design suggested that shoes could express a sense of levity in one's fashion statement

REIMAGINED

By the end of the 20th century, shoes became objects of desire for many women. The funky designs of the 1970s captured the era. Footwear in the 1980s reflected the strong postmodern aesthetic of the decade. The 1900s saw the rise of the celebrity shoe designer and elevation of the shoe to one of the most important accessories in a well-dressed woman's wardrobe.

In ballet, the pointe shoe is considered an elegant extension of the dancer's body. The shoes are generally three sizes smaller than the woman's street shoe, and only last for one performance. These pink silk pointe shoes have ever been used, the dancer who wears them will customize them to her needs. (Russia, 1997)

This pair of red silk booties is embroidered with powerful dragon symbols. Dragons are mythical beasts, long celebrated for their benevolence, intelligence and goodwill. Chinese children's clothing and footwear is often decorated with dragons and other animals as a symbolic way of protecting them from harm. (China, early 20th century)

Boots with curvaceous Louis heels were de rigueur for fashionably dressed women at the dawn of the 20th century. Many boots of the period incorporated 'menswear' styling. This pair was designed to look as if the wearer was sporting a pair of white spats. (American, 1900)

Artist Statement

Have you ever thought of your daily routines? You wake up in the morning, brush your teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast and then perhaps head out of your house for the day. There are so many details in between that people miss out and do not pay attention to. This blog discusses about something people wear everyday and since the years it has become an essential in our lives. SHOES. Have people always just bought them, worn them then thrown them out when they are out of style or worn out? Shoes have changed progressively over time. Starting out being a protection for the foot, to now becoming a decoration itself. Time, culture and place changes a pair of shoes.

You could say they take us everywhere or that they follow us where ever we go. There is a lot more to shoes than just the prints they leave as we travel through and around.

A pair of shoes can change your life. Just ask Cinderella.