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