'The Shoes of Tomorrow' - London, 1957

Narration from the intro to a 1957 film about The Shoes of Tomorrow (read in a Terrance and Philip voice):

"To find a possible answer to the controversy as to who dictates fashion - designers or the women who wear them (Ed. note: we know the answer to that one and it ain't us) - we go behind the scenes now to a leading shoe store where the shoes of tomorrow are created. Here ideas that are either borrowed from the past and adapted to modern requirements or others that are products of their own vivid imaginations are actually brought to life.

"Designers are given free reign to their ideas without thought of what will eventually go into the shop window. Consequently, we find that some of these creations might go straight into production while others remain as they are for years, until it's thought that the public taste is right for it."

I wonder if there are still boxes of shoes sitting there in a back room waiting for us to finally deem them 'right'?

I think these ones are still collecting dust.

The designer sketching, using books for reference

I like her bracelet.

The Concorde of shoes.

Putting on old-style Victorian high button boots that require a button hook to fasten them:

"In contrast, the modern version with mock buttons"

"Punchinello - a direct copy of the court jester's shoe of the Middle Ages"

'Swan Lake'

"Mitsouko - a Japanese style for indoors, likely to go into production in the near future"

What are those weird seamed stockings on her feet?

 

"For glamourous special evenings, a sandal called Rose Petal..."

"...If they were awkward to walk in, what about these Chinese shoes of the last century?"

 

Getting ready for a night out she accessorises her ears...

 

...and her shoes

Pretty shoes!

Comments

[Sandra @ DebutanteClothing]

These pictures are priceless! It's fun to see vintage shoes that weren't really all that practical, but glorious to look at. I'm especially loving the pink floral-heels pair. Lovely!

[kim]

I have _got_ to watch this film. (the sound wasn't working for me just now). O for a pair of Punchinello shoes! Where could you wear them? Maybe to visit Santa? Thanks for sharing.

[HauteWorld]

I love the heel of the first show and the swan ones are pretty insane. I've been to exhibits showcasing vintage shoes and some of the designs are definitely out there and far from practical, but so much more interesting to behold! A shame to think how many are gathering dust because they're deemed unfashionable...

[WendyB]

I want "Swan Lake" to go with my swan jewelry.

[Diana]

I always forget how much of a craft making a shoe is. As funny as these are, you can't take points away for creativity! :)

[carlyjcais]

Hi Denise! I just love your blog!
So I've given you a "One Lovely Blogger Award!"

You can get it here:
http://chicsteals.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html

This shoe post was just awesome - love to see all these styles through the ages! Keep up the fabulous blogging!
xoxo
Carly

http://chicsteals.blogspot.com

[Denise]



[eric elmont]

Love the vintage ... very cool!