From Biba to Blahniks, wonderful fantasy shoes

from the UK, about 1720, a green tapestry shoe with a rust bow

One would imagine that there could be nothing more perfect than a pair of shoes by Manolo Blahnik, but actually, it seems that wearing the perfect shoe, has been a passion, and that every decade, or century, has their stellar shoes, that can leave 2009 in the dust. At a tiny display at the V&A in London, I discovered some of the most diverse and best examples of shoemaker fantasy, creativity, originality and craftsmanship.

Biba, 1972, Satin Platform sandal with sequins A red silk boot, trimmed in bobbin lace from about 1870
a serious shoe with ribbons and a rosette from Oxford Street -

reminds me of the Penhaligons Bluebells bottleSalvatore Ferragamo, 1930, suede booty - look at the TOE!
Andre Courreges, Paris, 1965, leather boot They are all splendid and each in a world of it's own.