We recently attended an exhibit presented by ANCI (Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association) of historical models originating from Italian footwear Museums and seen for the first time in the United States. The venue was MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
The theme of the selection, which has been curated by ALDO PREMOLI (Art director) is the PLATFORM shoe: “INNER TREASURES – The secret story of the fashionable platform in Italy”.
On display are examples of designs that run through the history of Italian footwear from the 1930’s to the mid 1970’s. While Women’s shoes make up the majority of the collection it was surprising and quite amusing to see the Men’s styles from the 1970’s. Long ago and oh so far away, we were “Superstars”.
1970; Men’s shoe with black polka dot yellow platform. Heel and upper in white leather.
P. Bertolini International Footwear Museum, Vigevano
1970; Men’s boots with multicolor upper. Platform and heels in contrasting leather.
P. Bertolini International Footwear Museum, Vigevano
1972; Men’s loafer with kid suede upper. Cork wedge and leather sole.
Zaffaroni private collection
1972; Men’s shoe with upper in multicolor kid suede. Cork wedge and leather sole.
Zaffaroni private collection
1973; Men’s laced shoe in black and burgundy buffalo. 5 cm heel.
Giannini private collection
1973; Men’s clog with two color suede upper. Wood painted platform. Grained plastic sole.
Zaffaroni private collection
1974; Men’s loafer with nabuk upper, large metal buckle and para rubber sole.
Zaffaroni private collection
1975 – Men’s loafer in grain calf with laced strap and fringe. Natural para rubber wedge.
