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.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty At The V&A Museum

The much acclaimed Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibiting at the V&A Museum from March 14th to the 2nd August 2015 celebrates the extraordinary talent of one of the most creative and innovative designers of recent times. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is the first and largest display of the late designer's work to be showcased in Europe. Spanning from his 1992 MA graduate collection to his unfinished A/W 2010 collection.

London was McQueen’s world. He grew up in the city’s East End and having left school at 15 years old he seized the chance to become an apprentice tailor at the world famous Savile Row in Mayfair. In 1990 he was accepted onto the prestigious MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins. He drew inspiration from everything around him including the emerging Brit Art scene, London’s rich history, and its illustrious architecture and museums. 

“London’s where I was brought up. It’s where my heart is and where I get my inspiration,” Alexander McQueen, January 2000.

Spray painted dress, No. 13, S/S 1999

Duck feather dress, The Horn of Plenty, A/W 2009/10

Nature was the most prominent influence upon Alexander McQueen with collections often including fashions that took their forms and raw materials from the natural world. With his mixture of technology, craft and showmanship McQueen frequently played upon the transformative powers of clothing.  

Jacket, Alexander McQueen, It's a Jungle out there, Autumn/Winter 1997-8

Python skin Armadillo boot, S/S 2010

If you are as much of a fan as we are of the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty display, and avant garde is your thing, be sure to visit us at Alfies to see the wide range of unique and original items available from our dealers. Here are some of our favourites:

1950s black velvet and appliqué textile feather hat, offered by Tony Durante

1950s Italian Murano red and gold glass fish offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

This 1940s brown hat is made of felt and feather.Offered by Velvet Atelier

1920s lame dress with 3D lame leafs and grapes offered by Velvet Atelier

18ct garnet Victorian buckle in original box. Offered by Kieron Reilly

19th century icon of a Russian Saint on gold background, offered by Diplomat Treasures International

1940s large chocolate brown envelope crocodile clutch bag. Offered by Tony Durante