Header image: Multicoloured shoes from an unknown maker, from the collection of Karepa Wall. Above, from top: Christian Louboutin, Degratissimo Alta 130 VV (Lisa Reihana collection). Christian Louboutin, Sharky Sock sneaker (Lisa Reihana collection). United Nude, Lo Res (Lisa Reihana collection). United Nude, Delta wedge boot (Lisa Reihana collection). Maher, 7312-1 Pink (Karepa Wall collection).
Well Heeled: Shoes with Personality opens at the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, on May 17 and runs to October 6. The exhibition, with items from the private collections of artist Lisa Reihana, Māori art curator and artist Nigel Borell, and leader and cultural advocate Karepa Wall, looks at what shoes say about us and the stories behind them.
Between them, the shoes highlight the fashion world, streetwear, and bespoke craftsmanship. Curator and Dowse director Karl Chitham notes, ‘Shoes have always been more than just something practical. They’re cultural signifiers, symbols of status or rebellion, expressions of gender, identity, and place. For some, they’re carefully curated collections. For others they are personal talismans that carry memories and stories from their lives.’
Reihana’s collection includes designs from Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, Zaha Hadid and United Nude, and two pairs gifted to her personally by Christian Louboutin.
From Borell’s collection are bright green and pink Nike high-tops that he bought when Auckland went into its longest lockdown in 2021, as well as unusual releases from Nike, Supra and Clae Thompson.
Wall’s collection exemplifies his approach to leadership and culture, with sequins, studs, fish-skin leather, and kōwhaiwhai-embossed designs, including a pair of MaherX purple imitation snakeskin shoes with kōwhaiwhai details bought to match a purple tuxedo and top hat.
Entry to the exhibition is free.
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