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Spotlight closet: The shoe world of Barbie

The Shoe World
by Barbie

From Sept. 5 to Dec. 31

No one can ignore her at the moment: Barbie. Trending topic this summer was Barbenheimer, a double blockbuster that made all cinemas overflow. Everything seemed to turn pink and director Greta Gerwig is the first female director to make a billion dollars. And that with a film about the world's most famous doll. Not bad for a "plastic lady" who celebrates her 65th birthday next year. The Shoe Quarter cannot ignore this important pop-cultural phenomenon. That's why Barbie's shoes will be in the Spotlight case starting September 5.

Barbie is reputed to be a true fashionista. However, one essential element of her wardrobe is often overlooked: her shoes. Private collector Yvonne van Aarle focuses precisely on Barbie's shoes. For years, she has been collecting the shoes of the popular doll. This led to a very extensive collection of thousands of different Barbie shoes. From the Dutch clog to roller skates, from slippers to true designer boots by Christian Louboutin. You name it, Barbie has one.

The Spotlight cabinet displays a small sample of this rich private collection. The mini-exhibition shows the development of Barbie and her shoes over time. After all, shoes are important carriers of identity. They can show where someone comes from, like the aforementioned Dutch wooden shoe, what music someone likes, like the Barbie inspired by David Bowie, and what someone's age is. One thing is certain: Barbie always moves with the times and reflects social changes.   

The exhibition will be on display in the Shoe Quarter from Sept. 5 through Dec. 31.

McQueen is one of the most important and leading modern fashion designers. Especially designs from before his untimely death in 2010 are hugely sought after. We were therefore only too happy to receive the donation of these mules from his spring/summer 2003 collection. This is the second pair of McQueen shoes in the Shoe Quarter's collection.
McQueen is one of the most important and leading modern fashion designers. Especially designs from before his untimely death in 2010 are hugely sought after. We were therefore only too happy to receive the donation of these mules from his spring/summer 2003 collection. This is the second pair of McQueen shoes in the Shoe Quarter's collection.
The Dutch brand United Nude, founded in 2003 by Rem D. Koolhaas, not to be confused with his uncle the famous architect, is known for their distinct shoes with architecture, design and innovation as keywords. As one of the most successful modern Dutch shoe brands, it is indispensable as Schoenenkwartier to have a good overview of this brand in its collection. Several examples of the brand can be found in the permanent display, for example in the newsroom to the right of the Spotlight cabinet. Last year, we received quite a few new pieces from United Nude.
The Dutch brand United Nude, founded in 2003 by Rem D. Koolhaas, not to be confused with his uncle the famous architect, is known for their distinct shoes with architecture, design and innovation as keywords. As one of the most successful modern Dutch shoe brands, it is indispensable as Schoenenkwartier to have a good overview of this brand in its collection. Several examples of the brand can be found in the permanent display, for example in the newsroom to the right of the Spotlight cabinet. Last year, we received quite a few new pieces from United Nude.
In 1913, Prada was founded as a store specializing in leather goods. Today, however, you can turn to the Italian brand for an entire outfit. This shoe is especially nice because it brings together different methods of making into one shoe. The upper is a derbymolière, the midsole is that of an espadrille while the running sole is again a sneaker.
In 1913, Prada was founded as a store specializing in leather goods. Today, however, you can turn to the Italian brand for an entire outfit. This shoe is especially nice because it brings together different methods of making into one shoe. The upper is a derbymolière, the midsole is that of an espadrille while the running sole is again a sneaker.
Until the end of last year, Alessandro Michele was in charge of Florentine fashion brand Gucci as creative director. Under his leadership, the brand was revitalized. His designs were romantic and lavish, blurring the lines between masculine and feminine. This gender fluid approach earned Gucci a huge new fan base. Among them were big names like pop idol Harry Styles, who even took on the role of brand ambassador. The blurring of boundaries is also reflected in this men's platform sole sneaker, which is more commonly associated with women.
Until the end of last year, Alessandro Michele was in charge of Florentine fashion brand Gucci as creative director. Under his leadership, the brand was revitalized. His designs were romantic and lavish, blurring the lines between masculine and feminine. This gender fluid approach earned Gucci a huge new fan base. Among them were big names like pop idol Harry Styles, who even took on the role of brand ambassador. The blurring of boundaries is also reflected in this men's platform sole sneaker, which is more commonly associated with women.
One of the most recognizable brands in history is the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. The roots of this brand go back to the nineteenth century, when it specialized in (leather) suitcases, handbags and accessories. At the end of the nineteenth century, the world-famous monogram was introduced: an intertwined L and V against a dark brown background. With the donation of this ankle boot, we also finally have an example of this iconic fashion classic.
One of the most recognizable brands in history is the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. The roots of this brand go back to the nineteenth century, when it specialized in (leather) suitcases, handbags and accessories. At the end of the nineteenth century, the world-famous monogram was introduced: an intertwined L and V against a dark brown background. With the donation of this ankle boot, we also finally have an example of this iconic fashion classic.
Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaïa was known for his sharp cuts, designs that follow the body and leather work. The importance of leather also returns in this pair of sandals, where even the original shoe box is made of leather. This pair is Alaïa's second pair of shoes in the collection, the other being ankle boots worn by Anouk at the Song Contest in Malmö.
Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaïa was known for his sharp cuts, designs that follow the body and leather work. The importance of leather also returns in this pair of sandals, where even the original shoe box is made of leather. This pair is Alaïa's second pair of shoes in the collection, the other being ankle boots worn by Anouk at the Song Contest in Malmö.
Vivienne Westwood is the grande dame of British fashion with her subversive and innovative designs. Social commitment is no stranger to her, either. In recent years, for example, she committed herself to the fight against climate change. This is also reflected in this pump, which is the result of a collaboration with Melissa. This vegan shoe brand uses only plastic that can be used long-term through recycling. They use a self-created PVC called Melflex. Melissa also takes back shoes that are no longer used so that they can be properly reused.
Vivienne Westwood is the grande dame of British fashion with her subversive and innovative designs. Social commitment is no stranger to her, either. In recent years, for example, she committed herself to the fight against climate change. This is also reflected in this pump, which is the result of a collaboration with Melissa. This vegan shoe brand uses only plastic that can be used long-term through recycling. They use a self-created PVC called Melflex. Melissa also takes back shoes that are no longer used so that they can be properly reused.
The famous French brand Hermès was originally a supplier of saddles. When other forms of travel became more important at the end of the nineteenth century, they switched to suitcases, bags and other travel accessories, though all still made of saddle leather. In the twentieth century, Hermès grew into a luxury fashion brand with a number of iconic products to its name, such as the Birkin Bag, the Kelly Bag and the carrés; the signature square scarves.
The famous French brand Hermès was originally a supplier of saddles. When other forms of travel became more important at the end of the nineteenth century, they switched to suitcases, bags and other travel accessories, though all still made of saddle leather. In the twentieth century, Hermès grew into a luxury fashion brand with a number of iconic products to its name, such as the Birkin Bag, the Kelly Bag and the carrés; the signature square scarves.
Our country's best-known shoe designer is Jan Jansen. The Schoenenkwartier already has a considerable number of his shoes in its collection, but every now and then interesting additions become available. Like this unique shoe; a men's shoe that Jan customized especially for his wife Tonny. However, Tonny was unable to wear the shoes because they turned out to be too big. This worked out well for the donor: she was able to get the pair at the Jan Jansen store in Amsterdam.
Our country's best-known shoe designer is Jan Jansen. The Schoenenkwartier already has a considerable number of his shoes in its collection, but every now and then interesting additions become available. Like this unique shoe; a men's shoe that Jan customized especially for his wife Tonny. However, Tonny was unable to wear the shoes because they turned out to be too big. This worked out well for the donor: she was able to get the pair at the Jan Jansen store in Amsterdam.

In 27 steps, you are taken through the manufacture of a pair of shoes from the tanning process.

The semi-permanent exhibition How It's Made offers a fascinating insight into the world of leather and shoe production Then, Now and Later. In 27 steps, visitors are taken through the manufacture of a pair of shoes from the tanning process onward.

Shoe and Quarter

Visiting address

Raadhuisplein 1
5141 KG Waalwijk
+31 (0) 416 33 27 38
[email protected]

Parking

Taxandriaweg 4
5141 PA Waalwijk

Opening hours

Tue to Fri 10:00 - 17:00
Sat, Sun & holidays 12:00 - 17:00

Shoe and Quarter

Shoe and Quarter

Website design: The Invisible Party Website development: JRS-Webdesign

TUE & FRI 10:00 - 17:00
SAT, SUN & HOLIDAYS
12:00 - 17:00

VISIT ADDRESS
RAADHUISPLEIN 1
5141 KG WAALWIJK

PARKING
TAXANDRIAWEG 4
5141 PA WAALWIJK

+31 (0) 416 33 27 38
[email protected]

Shoe and Quarter

Website design: The Invisible Party
Website development: JRS-Webdesign

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