They are a fashion statement, a fetish object, an instrument of power (sometimes a torture device) and an outlet of artistic expression for both the designer and the wearer for the last 500+ years. The new exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, “Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe”, explores fashion’s most pointed accessory; from the sixteenth-century chopins of Italy to the glam stilettos on the runways and red carpets of today. This show looks at Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo, Zaha Hadid, Iris van Herpen, Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, André Perugia, Prada, Elsa Schiaparelli, Noritaka Tatehana, Vivienne Westwood, and more. The curators also commissioned 6 short films inspired by high heels by; Ghada Amer and Reza Farkhondeh, Zach Gold, Steven Klein, Nick Knight, Marilyn Minter, and Rashaad Newsome. “Killer Heels” runs through February 15, 2015 at the Brooklyn Museum.
1550-1650: Chopine, Italy, silk and metal
2013: Jantaminiau, L’image Tranquille.
2006: Miu Miu, Cammeo Baroque, leather wedge.
1974-79: Casuccio e Scalera per Loris Azzaro, Italy, leather, synthetic material and cotton.
2012: Winde Rienstra, bamboo heel with plastic cable ties.
2012: Noritaka Tatehana, Atom, faux leather.
1993: Vivienne Westwood, Super Elevated Gillie.
Rem D. Koolhaas. "Eamz,"
2012: Prada, wedge sandal in leather.
1900-1920: French boots, leather and cellulose.
2013/14: Christian Louboutin, Printz.
2013: Iris van Herpen, Beyond Wilderness.
2013: Zaha Hadid, NOVA, chromed vinyl rubber, napa leather and fiberglass.
Steven Klein. Still from Untitled, 791, 2014. Video, color, sound; 7 min. 48 sec.