Haute (and low) Chaussures

In deciding what to post as my first entry as ShoeIQ’s resident shoe historian, I didn’t have to look much further than Vogue’s September 2006 issue for inspiration.

But before we continue, I’d like to welcome you to ShoeIQ's history blog. In my former life, I catalogued and cared for a museum’s collection of historic dress and contemporary fashion, including a collection of footwear that would give - dare I say it - Imelda a run for her money (is anyone keeping track of Imelda references yet?). These days, I live outside the Ivory Tower, working as a consultant and freelance writer and indulging in my shoe habit with the proceeds. Every Friday, I’ll be sharing a bit of my knowledge about the history of shoes and fashion but this week, I wanted to look a little closer to the surface…

Puttin' on the Viv....

Even though more and more designers are teaming up with mass-market retail chains for greater product diffusion (witness Target’s successful fashion collaborations with Paul & Joe, etc…), it actually came as a surprise to see the legendary Dame Vivienne Westwood partnering with the mall staple Nine West.

Part of Project Front Row, a collaborative effort between Nine West and Westwood (as well as two other designers), this venture seeks to give the average American woman access to the great Dame’s designs, and in her own words, “discover what it feels like to wear Vivienne Westwood.” Westwood, as well as former Harper’s Bazaar editor Thakoon and Greek goddess, Sophia Kokosalaki were given the mandate to create a capsule collection of shoes, clothing and accessories which would reflect each of their styles. Each collection will be available online and in select Nine West and Macy’s stores only (Westwood’s launched on September 1), creating an air of exclusivity for this mall staple.

After previewing Westwood’s collection, it is clear that the design team succeeded in distilling the visual vocabulary of the Westwood oeuvre into two distinct traits – pseudo-bondage and tartan plaid. The Westwood offerings from Nine West are a mere pastiche of the “queen of punk’s” edgier, more challenging ideas. For me, it's a bit like watching a "phoned in" performance by a favorite performer. But if, as Viv suggests, you desire to know what its like to “wear Westwood,” you better be quick. Each of Project Front Row’s designer’s lines will be available for four weeks only...

Next Week: New York Fashion Week and the Significance of Marie Antoinette's Shoe