Window Shopping: Artful Footwear, articles, fashion beauty

Window Shopping: Artful Footwear

by Katia Jean Paul
published May 29, 2012

rating: (25 Ratings)

6 fanciful shoes for your viewing pleasure

Is fashion art? The jury is still out on the subject, but judging by the whimsical and intricate footwear below, the two may not be all that mutually exclusive. While we would love to take these six titillating shoes for a test drive (an astronomical markdown permitting!), we think these visually stimulating and—in some cases, gravity-defying—foot adornments would look equally stunning atop our mantlepiece!

Entrapment

The Alexander McQueen name is synonymous with raw, subversive and visually-impactful designs that have won the admiration of the fashion cognoscenti the world over. This intricate shell flesh corset confection is a testament to the brand’s avant-garde aesthetic.

Alexander McQueen Flesh Corset Cut-Out Wedge Peep-Toe, $6,195 USD, online (shipping and duty fees not included) and at Alexander McQueen stores.

Trompe L’oeil

Is it a flat? Is it a pump? No, it’s a Flax! Swedish powerhouse Acne defies convention by skillfully erecting a classic loafer atop a stiletto heel! Question is: Would you dare sport this sartorial optical illusion?

Acne Flax Loafer, $739.95 USD at solestruck.com. (Shipping and duty fees not included.)

Material Girl

Look familiar? That’s because this fanciful footwear art creation by Israeli designer Kobi Levi pays homage to a certain iconic pop star who sent the stage ablaze when she wore a custom-designed cone bustier by Jean Paul Gaultier (for her Blonde Ambition tour). If you haven’t already surmised, somewhere, Madonna is gushing with pride!

Kobi Levi Blond Ambition Wedge, $3,080 USD at kobilevidesign.com. (Shipping and duty fees not included.)

Mirror, Mirror

Who’s the fairest of them all? The Invisible Shoe, fashioned by Brazilian designer Andreia Chavez. This innovative wedge confection, adorned with carefully placed glass pieces reflects the wearer’s surroundings, providing a breathtaking image for her to admire from all angles. Needless to say, we’re awestruck before this singular beauty!

Andreia Chaves Invisible Shoe, $3,995.95 USD at solestruck.com. (Shipping and duty fees not included.)

Spring Awakening

Hungarian designer Eniko Toth Kern blends romanticism and decadence to fashion a shoe like no other. This somber but beautiful confection is the product of the fledging designer’s exploration of the themes of power and submission Now, that’s what we call an inspired creation!

Eniko Toth Kern Shoe. Price available upon request.

Mardi Gras

What’s grey, dark blue, and beaded all over? These Kanye West by Giuseppe Zanotti beauties, that’s what! We’re not fans of the rapper-turned-designer’s biting tongue, but West renders us simply speechless before this ethereal and über-luxurious design fit for sartorial royalty. Decidedly, when a budding trendsetter and an illustrious shoe designer get together, magic happens!

Kanye West by Giuseppe Zanotti Kanye All Over Beads Sandals, $6,594.43 at LUISAVIAROMA.com. (Shipping included, and no duty fees upon delivery.)

Tag(s): fashion, shopping, shoes, Alexander McQueen, Kobi Levi, acne, Andreia Chavez, Eniko Toth Kern, Kanye West by Giuseppe Zanotti