High heels are a staple of the fashion industry. They are loved; they are hated. Some claim they make women look more beautiful; others talk about female objectification. High heels are a complete topic. As such, they are at the center of attention at "Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe", an extensive exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.
As you wander through the show (I had the chance earlier in November), you will learn about the history of the high-heeled shoes across different cultures. You will see designs by famous shoemakers, such as André Perugia, Delman, Pietro Yantorny, Enzo Albanese, or Bernard Figueroa. And you will be exposed to many different views on the role of these shoes in our world.
The show has several short movies, which add wonderfully to the learning experience. Snippets from "Marie Antoinette" and "Memoirs of a Geisha" hint at what shoes used to be and how they played an important social and economic role.
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Shoes of the past still inform contemporary designs and you will see many of those. Prada (red shoes above) often resort to history for inspiration and the shoes on display could easily resemble the famous 'chopines.'
Architecture and innovation in materials and technology represent another section of the show - you will see innovative designs that pay homage to newest in plastics and metals. New York's skyscrapers and their architectural elements can also be detected as an influence in shoe designs.
Architecture and innovation in materials and technology represent another section of the show - you will see innovative designs that pay homage to newest in plastics and metals. New York's skyscrapers and their architectural elements can also be detected as an influence in shoe designs.
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A section of the show is devoted to the idea that the high-heeled shoe is a gender-defining object. The movies (including a scene from "Some Like It Hot") discuss women's feelings about the shoes. These feelings are mixed: some talk about being empowered and stronger; others mention being uncomfortable 'to be on a pedestal.' One of the artworks in the show is a poster that holds various words that come to mind when one is asked about high heels: confidence, pain, sexy, uncomfortable, objectification, powerless, higher high heels, beauty, elegance ...
The future of the high-heeled shoe is also represented. Think of Iris van Herpen and her take; see the silver layered (3-d printed) shoes below. Strong colors and innovative shapes and new takes on the shoe are being developed.
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In all, "Killer Heels' is a wonderful exploration of this iconic shoe and its role in our lives. It is an exhibition that will appeal to all; it is an invitation to learn about this intricate topic.
The show is on view until February 15, 2015.
Photographs by Martina Sestakova. New York City, NY. November, 2014.
The show is on view until February 15, 2015.
Photographs by Martina Sestakova. New York City, NY. November, 2014.