Pair of thigh-high boots, shiny red PVC, designed by Pierre Cardin, Paris, about 1968.

Pair of thigh-high red shiny PVC boots with block heels and metal zippers on the inside leg.

Given by Mrs Shirley Beljon

One of four womenswear ensembles with accompanying accessories designed by Mrs Shirley Beljon in 1968 as part of her Royal College of Art graduate collection. The collection was featured in Depache Mode magazine shortly after being released and was described as ‘the most original of the London collections.’ Beljon has provided notes for each ensemble, outlining the design inspiration behind each look, in particular the inspiration she found in Japanese fashion and culture.

Shirley Beljon is a photographer, model and fashion designer. Born in South Africa, Beljon started her career as a model for South African photographer Sam Haskins (1928-2009) and gained international recognition as the fictional heroine ‘Kate’ in Haskins’ photobook Cowboy Kate & Other Stories (1964). In 1965 Beljon moved to London to study design at the London College of Fashion, and later at the Royal College of Art. In the 1970s Beljon worked as a (self-taught) photographer, photographing the work of British fashion designers such as Jean Muir and Celia Birtwell for magazines such as Cosmopolitan, British Vogue and the Sunday Times. In the late 1970s Beljon worked as a documentary photographer, contributing images to the feminist women’s magazine Spare Rib and literary periodical The London Magazine.

In 1980 Beljon was appointed Director of Photography for the touring exhibition Jean Muir and photographed prominent British women such as artist Bridget Riley and actress Joanna Lumley wearing Muir’s designs. Several of her portraits, including one of Muir, are held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery. A lithograph of this portrait is also held by the V&A (E.608-1980).

These Pierre Cardin thigh-length boots were purchased by Mrs Shirley Beljon to be worn with an ensemble of her own design; Paris ready-to-wear being increasingly available in London in the 1960s.

The accompanying canvas tunic and shorts designed by Beljon as part of her 1968 graduate collection from the Royal College of Art were inspired by designs for armour in the V&A collection. Armour is cited by Beljon as one of the major influences in her womenswear designs.

T.52:1-2021