Beads, Buckles, and Bows:
Four Hundred Years of Embellished Footwear

Opened Fall 2004 and on display until June 2006

Curated from the Museum's own collection, the shoes on display in Beads, Buckles and Bows revealed a rich history of embellishment born centuries ago and extending to the modern day. Highlights of this exhibition included 17th-century mules lavishly covered with silver lace, 18th-century silver buckles studded with brilliantly cut glass, intricately embroidered slippers from the late 19th century, and sequined and rhinestone-encrusted stilettos from the mid 20th century.

Michael Vollbracht, Creative Director of Bill Blass, Ltd., was the designer for the exhibition. Visually evocative and intellectually engaging, Beads, Buckles and Bows appealed to the fashion-conscious, the scholarly, the curious, and all who appreciate fine craftsmanship.

Images

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Exhibition Poster

A poster with beautiful photography of the most sparkling shoes in the exhibition, plus detailed descriptions, is available through the MUSEUM SHOP.

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