Are Shoes Art?
I am a lucky owner of Louboutin's work. I originally purchased them because of the flair they give my small feet and ankles. But, if you look at Louboutin for his passion in his work, you will see that he is indeed creating art for us to wear. But art is beyond just looking at it, art can be a functional yet beautiful part of our lives. It is art, the creative part of function, that adds to our life that function cannot do. :) Here's a quick article about Louboutin for those who are not familiar with this shoe designer:
To the fans of his red-soled, leg-lengthening and tiptoe inducing footwear, Christian Louboutin's shoes symbolise much more than just something pretty to adorn a pair of feet. His creations - which can cost upwards of £2,000 per pair - are considered by some to be works of art, and in recognition of the craftsmanship that goes into producing each shoe, the Parisian designer had chosen to photograph a selection of his autumn/winter 2011 collection in the style of world-famous historical paintings.
Having collaborated with photographer Peter Lipmann, well-known portraits such as Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist's Mother, by James McNeill Whistler, have been given a Louboutin makeover. Under Lipmann's eye, instead of clutching a handkerchief, Whistler's Mother can be seen holding the fashion-forward 'Tootsie' ankle boot (£1,895), adorned with roccia leathers and studded piping.
In pictures: Celebrities who love Christian Louboutin
In another image, Marie-Guillemine Benoist's Portrait d'une Negresse totes a 'Balda Booty' (£695), meanwhile upon the lap Renaissance artist Francois Clouet's Elizabeth of Austria rests a 'Catalina' sequinned clutch bag (£795) and a golden spiked 'Pigalilli' platform (£2,295) - a style popular with the likes of celebrities Rihanna and Victoria Beckham.
Even a leopard-print shoulder bag has managed to find a home nestled under the arm of Jean-Marc Nattier's Marquise de Pompadour, while Francisco de Zurbaran's Santa Dorotea carefully holds a fruit platter bearing the new '8 Mignon' strappy sandals (£765).
High heels at dawn for Christian Louboutin and Yves Saint Laurent
With such precious detail and eye-watering price tags to boot, we think Louboutin's new works might have to be stored in a museum of their own.
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG8582008/Christian-Louboutins-shoes-of-art.html
10 comments:
I am personally a fan of the red soles. I have to say say that I believe his shoes are a work of art. His creations are amazing and admired by many. His work is like no others.
It's insane how the shoes can be priced so high. I don't get it personally, so I'll just stick to my Vans. But yes, art can take on any form. Whether from shoes to paintings, it just depends on the viewer. Even if it isn't popular, its still art no matter what.
With the degree of emphasis on fashion over functionality, I agree that with designers such as Louboutin and Blahnik, the shoes are a materialization (oh my gosh I don't see a spell checker here, I'm dooomed) and expression of the designer's internal creativity. It's their interpretation of beauty made tangible through a wearable item, shoes. Art, that is suspiciously revealed sometimes in the complete lack of safe wearability. If it is not meant to be worn, then what is it for but admiration or appreciation. :) Blahnik's design sketches are in my opinion, absolutely frameable. If I was abundantly endowed monetarily, I would enjoy a collection of his sketched works. (Which may last much longer than the shoes, I think.)
I like what you said Heather. But, for those with money, function over beauty isn't a priority for those who can afford it. :) I have all of the high end brands and what I noticed is when I wear a pair, I stand out simply because high end shoes are not as common as something from Baker's at the mall. I believe people also want uniqueness and high end plus the art flair in design gives some people that unique feeling.
I believe these shoes can be considered art. He is expressing himself through every pair and people do see the shoes as an art piece. Whether some collect them or others wear them to them owning a pair of these shoes is priceless. There is so much time taken into making each design and people interpret them differently. I would never purchase a pair of these shoes myself because I feel that although I would be getting so much attention for them, my money could be well spent else where.
Great example of the different ways people go about in expressing art. It's definately interesting on how much money that some art works can "run" someone, because I feel that art should not be created out of making money soley. But there are someone artist who take part in fashion design to tune in to their artistic side, that do so out of love and to make a living which maney times is a necessity.
Naijahlece Calhoun
Art3
Shoes are a work of art. The different style, color,and texture can set you apart from everyone else. For example on the field, everyone has the lastest Nike cleats. In my opinion some are nice, but some are just to over exaggerating with the colors. But this sets up people’s uniqueness, you could also see how wealthy someone is just on the brand of the shoe that they have.
-Fernando Michel Art3
I think the fact that Louboutin spends so much time perfecting the shoe he intends to produce speaks to his artistic flair and his personality. But, I think he doesn't just attempt to create a beautiful shoe, but he wants to exemplify the beautiful woman. The shoe is an extension of the foot which is an extension on the leg and the body. A beautiful pair of heels will draw the eye down to take in the entire body as well as elongate the legs and lift the butt. I think he puts the time and artistic creativity in his work to not just make a beautiful pair of shoes, but to make the woman, who is beautiful, into an even more beautiful thing.
I love the signature red soles too! They add a stylish flair to the shoes and this small feature make them stand out from other brands. I think they are considered art because so much thought went into designing them. Plus they're nice to look at :)
Selda Kapci
ART 3
I am too an admirer of Louboutin's work. His idea of work being put towards his fashion makes it relatable to me and easier to pin point all the exquisite features that a shoe like this can hold. His shoes are of such beauty that you almost feel obligated to just admire them than wear them. He definitely personalized his designs and has become an icon. Just like how an artist does.
Samantha Contreras
Art 3
5/13/07
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