Fancy Footwork at The Bata Shoe Museum
Whether you are looking for inspiration for your New Year's Eve party shoes, or just
want to admire, as I did with my friends, the exquisite workmanship of the
"Fabergé of Shoes," you might enjoy the current exhibition on at
The Bata Shoe Museum until April 7, 2013. Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection,
showcases one of the 20th century's most important shoemakers. In the 1950s,
Roger Vivier began to design footwear for Christian Dior, and his innovations, such
as the needle, choc and comma heels still look fresh today.
Roger Vivier's other innovations include the pilgrim buckle shoe popularized by
Catherine Deneuve, the thigh high boot popularized by Brigitte Bardot, and the
reintroduction of the platform shoe.
Shoes are a passion for many people, and have been the subject of some truly
gorgeous books, as well as being the focus of a few films. I remember I realized the
importance that shoes have for people when I saw Dorothy's ruby slippers at
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
You can pick up a Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass and go, for free, to
The Bata Shoe Museum and see Roger Vivier's shoes, as well as shoes worn by
Terry Fox, Queen Victoria, Justin Bieber, Elvis Presley, Margaret Atwood,
Pierre Trudeau, Perdita Felicien, Elton John, Madonna, and many more!
8 thoughts on “Fancy Footwork at The Bata Shoe Museum”
Thank you for this wonderful blog post! The exhibition is definitely exquisite and is recommended for all shoe lovers. Another interesting book on the topic is “Shoe innovations : a visual celebration of 60 styles” by Caroline Cox.
Thanks, Irina – I will have a look at your book suggestion!
This a a wonderfully colourful blog and a sheer joy to read. As a flat-heeled gal like myself (following the Michelle Obama footwear style), I cannot help but admire those who can glide through the streets effortlessly in their sky-high heels.
I am glad you enjoyed it. I agree with you, it takes a lot of skill to walk in high heels, let alone play field hockey in them as the Duchess of Cambridge did recently!
Thank goodness the Dutchess was not wearing high heels on ice. Field hockey wearing heels is safer. I saw a pair of high-heeled ice skates at a store window and shook my head at the thought of snapping my ankle in those horrid things–which will never happen because I will gladly never put my feet in them in the first place.
You are quite wise because too often the reality of wearing high heels, let alone on skates, results in hobbling painfully along.
I hope I will find the best collection of Sandals from this museum. Bata is one of the best shoes for quality material and best features.
I hope you do find some interesting sandals. The Bata Shoe Museum
has an incredible range of footwear.