Christian Louboutin for English National Ballet. Courtesy Swarovsk
In a spectacular display of previously unseen examples organised by javari.co.uk, this self-confessed showcase of "beauty rather than function" brings treats once tottered in to Brick Lane.
Rupert Sanderson's strappy gold numbers, made for Verdi's Aida at the Royal Opera House, resemble footwear from Greek mythology, compounded by the bunion inducing addition of a pair of tiny crouching figures between the sole and the foot, appearing to hold the shoe itself aloft.
British Fashion Awards winner Nicholas Kirkwood offers designs adorned with red roses in bloom, tiny green leaves, silver chains and chessboard-patterned heels, as well as an additional pair in glittering green, candy floss pink and shiny flaps.
And French sorcerer of the stiletto Christian Louboutin donates a pair of jewel-encrusted, relatively flat beauties made for the English National Ballet.
From the floorboards to the catwalk, these are shoes to put on a show with, and the inclusion of the toe-tappers worn by singer Beyoncé in the video for Run the World – the caterwauling American superstar is a fan of "fetish heels" – emphasise the theatrical ethos.
Beyoncé wore a Pugh design for the MTV Europe Awards in 2008, and he can also count Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue among his illustrious commissioners – not bad for a 30-year-old whose initial fashion forays came while at college in Sunderland.
- Open 11am-7pm (5pm Sunday). Admission free.
More pictures from the display:
Nicholas Kirkwood, Alice in Wonderland Heels
Rupert Sanderson for Verdi's Aida at the Royal Opera House
Nicholas Kirkwood for Meadham Kirchoff S-S (2012)
