“Barbie’s foot has always been shaped less ‘curvy’ than the rest of her perfect body,” he said. “I just added my little science to Barbie and I’ve been proud to serve her. But fat ankles she didn’t have, she just could have had thinner ankles. That’s all.
Why Christian? Why?
I spent 43 pages last year having to argue against claims that the act of wearing high heels alone, independent from any underlying metaphorical interpretations, limits the power of women by making them unstable & immobile. Saying things about "fat ankles" and "perfect bodies" is fuel for critics like K. Chernin who believe Barbie and fashion go hand in hand with women's oppression by way of body obsession.
I understand a little foot fetishism, especially from a shoe designer.
But, please. Don't let the soles of your shoes be red from stomping on my feminist heart!
I've been thinking about society and dress alot lately, mainly because Im taking a class that has opened my eyes to the adaptations that designers take from historical dress. Comparing and contrasting why we choose to wear what we do based on our place in society and what statement it is we are trying to make. During my research I came across the fact that Red heels and soles were a trend established by Louis XIV (The Sun God) and was resticted to the highest nobility of his court. A statment of status. The color red was an expensive dye. It came from the dried bugs, cochineal, found on cacti in mexico, exported back to Europe by the Spainards. As with every trend, it spread all across Europe. It represented wealth and power. Mr. Louboutin claims he colored his soles with the color of passion and love, but the faact that they are only affordable to the upper class, wealthy and powerful makes me rethink the statement/image he was actually trying to create.
ReplyDeletethat is so interesting! thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDelete