Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic

With the Shoemakers’ Museum in Street, Somerset due to reopen, ‘Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic’ seems like the perfect book to read before a visit!

In the opening chapter, ‘Shoes! (and why we love them) explores the perennial appeal of footwear before looking at early shoes from around the world and then those favoured in the Victorian era, including the first pair of boots with an elastic side gusset, presented to Queen Victoria in 1937. The anatomy of a shoe, different types of heels and some of the ‘classic’ shoe styles are shown all accompanied by colourful illustrations.

Chapter Two introduces the reader to shoe design across the 20th century, showing the influence of social and historical events on this. The popularity of celebrities such as Josephine Baker and Madonna and crazes like ‘Egyptomania’ altered the styles available as the decades passed and these evolutions are explained.

‘Spotlights’ on significant designers and styles are scattered throughout, giving more detail about key figures such as Coco Chanel and Mary Quant and fashions like Desert Boots and Crocs. Adults are sure to enjoy this every bit as much as their children, perhaps laughing at foolish fashion choices of days gone by or longing for their return!

Chapter Three is devoted to the history of ‘sneakers’, from early designs to the possibilities of their future design! The rivalries and marketing strategies of companies are also explored, making for a fascinating read. The book concludes by posing the question - what’s next in shoe design?- offering inspiration and encouragement to any aspiring shoe creators of the future!

Great fun!

Shoes! A Footwear Fashion Frolic

Anna Davies and Daisy Wynter

Cicada ISBN: 978-1800660571

Mirror Me

Freya loves being behind the camera, capturing images, a passion she shares with her father. However, since former supermodel, Bella Wilde, appeared in their lives, Freya’s life seems to be changing quickly. Impossibly flawless, Bella seems to mesmerise those around her, but she makes Freya uncomfortable. When Freya discovers they are getting married and she (Freya) is to be shipped off to boarding school, she knows she must take action and discover the truth.

Drawing on Snow White with touches of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, ‘Mirror Me’ is a clever, thought-provoking, enjoyable read. I have no interest in the fashion world, but found the story both compelling and engaging.

The chapters are relatively short which, combined with the use of the present tense, keeps the plot fast-paced. Interspersed throughout the chapters are pages of italicised text, adding to the story in an anonymous voice, hinting at what is to come and what has been.

Freya is an excellent character, very believable and easy to relate to. Her insecurities and worries initially hold her back, making her question herself, her mistrust of Bella and her choices, but as the story progresses, her growing self-belief, devotion to her father and determination to thwart Bella’s schemes are convincing and have the reader cheering her on. Her friendship with Sam is also a real strength of the story!

At the heart of the book is the importance of being yourself and throwing off the demands and expectations imposed by the fashion industry and social media, embracing difference and individuality. Jan Dunning’s background in modelling adds a voice of authenticity to the fashion led scenes, with much to initiate discussion and provoke much needed conversations.

An immersive, satisfying read!

Mirror Me Jan Dunning

Scholastic ISBN: 9780702323751