Much more than an item of clothing, a pair of shoes by Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik is a most coveted possession. But how have we arrived at such a plethora of styles and how has footwear evolved? From spiked stilettos to negative heels and from platform soles to ballerina flats, all is documented in this bible of footwear styles, materials and production methods - a must-have for any shoe addict or professional. Organized chronologically by style, this ravishing book, uniquely illustrated with photographs of actual shoes, takes us on a remarkable tour of the shoe closets of the world over the last four hundred years, exploring how major historical events, social change and industrialization have influenced styles and production. We have been intrigued by the fashion and function of our footwear for many centuries and Jonathan Walford shows us why numerous forgotten designs of the past will appeal to the most fashionable of footwear aficionados today. Fabulous images of conversation-starting shoes fill the pages and revealing commentaries inform the reader. An illustrated section devoted to biographical notes on shoemakers, designers and manufacturers who have shaped footwear history, together with a detailed glossary of all the main terms, completes the book. From spiked stilettos to negative heels and from platform soles to ballerina flats, all is documented in this bible of footwear styles, materials and production methods. An indispensable reference tool, The Seductive Shoe is a must-have for any shoe or fashion addict or professional.

Author Biography

Jonathan Walford has held curatorial positions with several institutions, including the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, of which he was founding curator. He now runs his own company, Kickshaw Productions, which promotes the history of fashion through a variety of media and venues.