Cinderella’s glass slipper reimagined by shoe designers
As we gear up for the release of Disney's live action version of Cinderella, starring Lily James, we have just one question on our minds. No, we don't care about the Prince (sorry Richard Madden) or the wicked stepmother, or even the pumpkin carriage. We've only got eyes for the accessories. So in 2015, what would Cindy's glass slipper look like?
We're not alone in wondering. Footwear designers Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman, Rene Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Jerome Rousseau, and Stuart Weitzman have all been dreaming of the princess' slippers, and have produced sketches of their dream shoes.
The shoes in the designs will be available for order around the world, from London's Harrods to New York's Saks Fifth Avenue and will feature Swarovski crystals as used in the film's costumes.
"I think every girl desires a Cinderella moment in their lives," said Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo.
"This story ignites a love affair and fascination with shoes that never dies. The power they have to transform is instilled from a young age and the fantasy remains alive forever. I wanted to create a shoe that felt magical, with alluring sparkle and a feminine, timeless silhouette evoking those childhood emotions."
Check out all of the designer creations, below.
PRNicolas Kirkwood:
“Cinderella has both delicate and strong qualities as a character. The moment of transformation emphasises both and gave me the design inspiration to create a piece that spoke to the film’s magic.”
PRJimmy Choo:
“I think every girl desires a Cinderella moment in their lives. This story ignites a love affair and fascination with shoes that never dies. The power they have to transform is instilled from a young age and the fantasy remains alive forever. I wanted to create a shoe that felt magical, with alluring sparkle and a feminine, timeless silhouette evoking those childhood emotions.” Sandra Choi, Creative Director, Jimmy Choo.
PRCharlotte Olympia:
“This transparent platform shoe made with my signature PVC & perspex materials is adorned with star and crystal detailing as befits any princess.”
PRSalvatore Ferragamo:
“The magic of a shoe that turns a woman into a princess and gives her the feeling of walking on clouds is a universal dream. A modern Cinderella fairy tale of rediscovering a soft sensuality and a powerful femininity. A shoe made of transparency and light: the cage heel, an iconic symbol of Salvatore Ferragamo, is covered with Swarovski crystals and is transformed by sparkling impalpability.” Massimiliano Giornetti, Creative Director, Salvatore Ferragamo.
PRRenee Caovilla:
“‘Works of arts called shoes’ to grant wishes and raise emotions. Passion and never ending research don’t draw the line at fantasy and creativity. This is how dreams come true in our fairy tale.”
PRStuart Weitzman:
"Cinderella in 2015 has a timeless appeal. The diamond and translucent bootie enhance the vision I have of her.”
PRAlexandre Birman:
“My vision of the glass slipper was inspired by the timeless and feminine beauty that I believe Cinderella and the Alexandre Birman brand both share. I reinterpreted our classic Johanna pump, this time giving it a fashionable and romantic twist with satin and Swarovski crystals. It’s a shoe I imagine a modern princess would wear.”
PRJerome Rousseau:
"The stroke of midnight is a wonderful element of the Cinderella fairy tale, it adds tension and intensity to the story. I was inspired by that when I designed this style for Cinderella and the result is a dramatic midnight-blue glitter sandal on a sky-high heel. The clear strap is reminiscent of the crystal slipper, while the refined gold and silver trims add the right amount of whimsy to the design. I wanted to create something that, if left behind, the Prince would feel even more captivated by Cinderella’s allure.”
PRPaul Andrew:
“Cinderella's glass slipper represents every woman's dream shoe. The story, being a classic, inspired me to use my iconic pointed toe silhouette, which I embellished with an array of hand encrusted Swarovski crystals to create the ultimate fantasy shoe. I used transparent PVC to create a 'glass' effect and ivory suede for luxurious texture and dimension.”
