The Art of the Heel

The Brooklyn Museum’s current “Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe” exhibit has taken the concept of the high-heeled shoe and elevated it further — to the status of fine art. On view through February 15, 2015, the show simultaneously explores the provocative history of the heel alongside stand-alone shoe designs from such varied sources as footwear designer Christian Louboutin, artist Salvador Dalí and architects Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid. In its full breadth, “Killer Heels” encompasses more than 160 shoes spanning 17th-century Venice to present-day runway.
Inspired by curator Lisa Small’s nuanced presentation of the high heel “as object as well as symbol…an icon in popular culture,” our own 1stdibs editors have curated the below collection of fashion and fine art. Browse vintage and contemporary heels from Prada, Chanel and Manolo Blahnik — all of which are represented in the Brooklyn Museum show — as well as provocative art pieces spotlighting Stephanie Seymour, Kate Moss, Iman and some very stylish pumps.
20th Century The Art of the Heel
Archival Pigment
1990s Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Archival Pigment
1960s Modern The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
21st Century and Contemporary The Art of the Heel
C Print
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
1970s Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
1990s Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Archival Pigment
1950s Modern The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
1950s Modern The Art of the Heel
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
1970s Modern The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
1980s Modern The Art of the Heel
Photographic Film, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Black and White, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
1970s Modern The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
Mid-20th Century Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
20th Century Modern The Art of the Heel
Silver Gelatin
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Plexiglass, Archival Pigment
2010s Contemporary The Art of the Heel
Archival Pigment