Don't get me wrong. I LOVE shoes as works of sculpture.
One of my favorite fashion memories is when I was fortunate enough to see the 1992 LACMA retrospective exhibit of Salvatore Ferragamo's most famous shoes. I saw and understood then that his shoes were more than footwear, they were symbols - works of art. My adoration of shoes was born right there in the dark gallery, shoes spotlighted under glass. (The exhibit was so successful it prompted the opening of a permanent museum in Florence, Italy.)
Salvatore Ferragamo
However, in my real life shoes are utility, and dressing in heels feels like drag. Even when I was modeling (briefly, long ago) I knew I was putting on a mask, and couldn't wait to be done with a job so I could wash my face, put my hair back in a ponytail, and change into my real clothes, which then was jeans, t-shirt, and Converse. Now that I'm a mom and full time store owner, my shoes have to get me through a day of standing, walking, lifting, driving and full-on just getting things done.
So when the latest issue of Elle Magazine arrived, I was amused to find an incredibly artful selection of shoes for spring. There are an incredible variety of amazing shoes - all of them with extremely high heels. Wonderful to look at. Very creative. But seriously unwearable in real life.
Elle.com
Are these shoes not amazing, even artful? Yes. Fashion runways have always shown the extreme edge of fashion, and the shoes have been no exception. The runway is a place for art and experimentation. It's show - theatre. And don't forget shock value. Lately it seems as though designers have pushed the edge a little further. I'm all for that. Explore, go wild, don't let anyone stop creativity! But apparently the editors at Elle can't tell the difference between the runway and real life. Remember, these are the shoes they say are "must have" for Spring. Note to Elle - most real women can't wear 4 inch heels. Not really. In real life. Can you wear these if you need to stand and talk to friends or clients, walk across a parking lot carrying groceries, or keep up with a kid, or (heaven forbid) run or climb a stepladder? No. Could you wear them for an evening of dancing? Yes, but not without collapsing in agony when the evening is through. I love these as artful creations, but not as footwear. One of my personal rules of fashion - it shouldn't be painful.
Christian Dior
But don't get me wrong. None of this means that I don't secretly covet these shoes. It's just that they would end up on display rather than on my feet.
If you want to see more artful, wonderful, but completely impractical shoes, see this slideshow on Stylist.com, and don't miss Christian Louboutin's delightful site.
Christian Louboutin
Oh wow, all of these shoes are soooo lovely... to look at! But you're right, highly impractical to wear around every day, and I can't believe Elle is recommending we do so!
Posted by: Ashley K | March 17, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Special occasion shoes should be special, but I am neurotic. Or I have some crazy gene that makes me feel funny if my shoes are too outre. I feel clowny or something. Of course, that's something I'd definitely be able to toss aside for a pair of Laboutin's killer heels!
Glad to see you back again!
Posted by: Holly | March 21, 2009 at 07:10 PM
What an incredible selecton of shoes! They are really works of art. Thanks for the great post.
Posted by: Earth Footwear | September 24, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Just one question: how to add your blog into my rrs reader, thanks so much.
Posted by: christian louboutin | January 07, 2010 at 05:18 PM
christian louboutin is definitely one of the world’s leading A-list fashion.
Posted by: christian louboutin | January 31, 2010 at 11:29 PM
This collection is absolutely
breath taking! That first white pair
is worth hanging on the wall!
Posted by: College Term Papers | March 18, 2010 at 02:24 AM
WOW. Adorable shoes. I love high heels and i am definitely gonna try out some from these.
Posted by: Inward investment | July 14, 2010 at 05:25 AM
Some very beautiful footwear. I like your posting please keep the good working going on.
Posted by: Laser Safety Signs | July 20, 2010 at 02:27 AM
I read so many different articles.butI like your articles,and hope you will write more,and better.i will assit to reading them,thanks.
Posted by: ugg caspia | September 08, 2010 at 02:06 AM
These shoes look like they landed straight from the land of Disney from some surreal movie. I'm dying to have a pair like these. I won't be able to ever wear them to any conceivable occasion, but even for the closet they'll suit just fine
Posted by: Sourceoutdoor | November 22, 2010 at 01:55 AM