Shoes: Pleasure & Pain at the V&A

Saturday 13 June 2015 sees the opening of  Pleasure & Pain at the V&A. This exhibition will look at the extremes of footwear from around the globe, presenting around 200 pairs of shoes ranging from a sandal decorated in pure gold leaf originating from ancient Egypt to the most elaborate designs by contemporary makers.

At Alfies, our vintage clothing dealers have a fascinating selection of footwear. Pictured below are handmade espadrilles from Tin Tin Collectables. On VE day the laces were replaced with tricolore laces to celebrate victory in Europe. 

'Victory' espadrilles with original laces, 1945, offered by Tin Tin  Collectables

The origins of Riviera style stem from the 1920s and 1930s, when sunbathing and sport became fashionable pastimes. Canvas espadrilles are a particularly apt Riviera touch.

1920s sporting espadrilles, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

In the 1900s, it was commonplace for women to acquire elaborate re-usable heels such as the ones below and later have the rest of the shoe constructed by a shoemaker. 

1900-1910 diamante set heels offered by Tin Tin Collectables

Mirror set heels c1900s, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

Below are a selection of shoes from different eras you will find at Alfies...

1930s brown shoes, offered by Carole Collier

1950s black lace shoes, offered by June Victor

1960s metallic silver shoes by Harrods, offered by June Victor

And of course, you'll need a chic shoe horn to put your fabulous footwear on....

1950s shoe horn in the shape of heeled shoes, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

Pleasure & Pain at the V&A will run from the 13th of June 2015 until the 31st of January 2016.