Pair of Shoes thumbnail 1
Pair of Shoes thumbnail 2
Not on display

Pair of Shoes

1968-1969 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Chelsea Cobbler was established in 1967 by the designers Richard Smith and Mandy Wilkins. They catered for clients who wanted distinctive shoes to accessorize their outfits. These dramatic dark green lizard skin shoes were purchased and worn by the interior designer David Mlinaric.

The late 1960s saw young men enjoying a greater freedom in dress. More traditionally 'feminine' fabrics such as velvet and chiffon, brighter colours, and more figure-conscious styles were gleefully appropriated for their wardrobes. These shoes, with their simple styling but unexpected colour and material, are typical of clothes found in the new male wardrobes.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Shoe
  • Shoe
Materials and techniques
Lizard skin and leather
Brief description
Pair of men's shoes of dark green lizard skin, designed by Richard Smith and Mandy Wilkins, Chelsea Cobbler, Great Britain, 1968-1969
Physical description
Pair of men's shoes of dark green lizard skin. Pumps with a brown leather interior.
Production typeHaute couture
Gallery label
(1997)
Chelsea Cobbler shoes found favour with a high-profile fashionable clientele. David Mlinaric wore these shoes with an adventurous combination of yellow trousers and a pink velvet coat acquired in the progressive boutique 'Hung on You'.
Credit line
Given by David Mlinaric
Object history
Registered File number 1979/1786.
Historical context
These dark green lizard skin shoes were purchased and worn by the interior designer David Mlinaric. Chelsea Cobbler was established in 1967 by the designers Richard Smith and Mandy Wilkins. They catered for clients who wanted distinctive shoes to accessorize their outfits.
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Summary
Chelsea Cobbler was established in 1967 by the designers Richard Smith and Mandy Wilkins. They catered for clients who wanted distinctive shoes to accessorize their outfits. These dramatic dark green lizard skin shoes were purchased and worn by the interior designer David Mlinaric.

The late 1960s saw young men enjoying a greater freedom in dress. More traditionally 'feminine' fabrics such as velvet and chiffon, brighter colours, and more figure-conscious styles were gleefully appropriated for their wardrobes. These shoes, with their simple styling but unexpected colour and material, are typical of clothes found in the new male wardrobes.
Bibliographic reference
De la Haye, Amy, ed. The Cutting Edge: 50 Years of British Fashion 1947-1997. London: V&A Publications, 1997.
Collection
Accession number
T.491&A-1985

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Record createdOctober 1, 2003
Record URL
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