Hoarder, addict, collector, or enthusiast- however you decide to label it, we women have an unexplainable connection to shoes. Far be it for me to explain it; I'd just as much celebrate it!
And celebrate Harriet Walker does, in her newly-published coffee table book titled Cult Shoes: Classic and Contemporary Designs. Her publishing company graciously forwarded a review copy for me to drool over - er, review. A fashion journalist with bylines in Vogue, Elle, Glamour and Dazed Digital, Walker has fashionably capsuled 30 cult shoe designers and well over over 350 images, just in time to add heeled hysteria to your Christmas wishlist.
With the household names of Choo, Louboutin, Blahnik and Vivier, Walker gives us a historical lesson into the rise of the shoe, both literally and figuratively, seeing how as early as the 16th century the heel height of shoes have been a symbol of the Haves and Have Nots. But I would LOVE to know which client of Christian Louboutin received the bespoke pair with soles made of freshly-mined rubies!
Men's footwear is not forgotten. From the "sole brothers" of James and Cyrus (who birthed the iconic Clarks line), to subcultures inspired by music genres, men need shoe love, too. Let's face it; Adidas would never have sold so many pairs without Run-DMC's iconic song, now would they? And so the collaborations with companies and artists emerged, raising street cred and revenue.
Overall, Cult Shoes: Classic and Contemporary Designs is a commendable expression of shoe adoration. From the high heel heiress to the ballet flat fashionista, it's the perfect holiday gift for the woman who is both a bibliophile and shoephile.
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