'Shoe Obsession' at the Museum at FIT
Prada shoes, from the spring 2012 collection, are on display in the "Shoe Obsession" exhibit at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan through April 13. Credit: The Museum at FIT
Even the Old Testament talks about shoes. The writers weren't clear on just what kind of sandal Judith wore that so enticed Holofernes -- but this Biblical tale ends badly for the dude. (Judith seduces, then beheads him.)
"This shoe obsession goes way back for men and women," says Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at FIT, where a new exhibit on the seductive nature of shoes just opened.
"Shoe Obsession," running in the Special Exhibitions Gallery through April 13, explores our fascination with footwear -- high heels, in particular, from Manolo Blahnik to Christian Louboutin to Alexander McQueen.
The show offers more than 150 stunning pairs, from the spikiest stilettos to the wackiest, most gravity-defying platforms.
"Shoes and accessories have moved center-stage in fashion," says Steele. "Maybe it's because shoes are sculptural. Clothing, when not worn, just lies there flat, lifeless. But shoes seem to have an autonomous quality, which may explain why our obsession with shoes seems to have reached new heights."
Don't miss these high-heeled jaw-droppers.
