Shoe Fashion

I must admit, the miniature shoe collecting field is one I fell into only about two years ago. Until then, the thought of anyone collecting tiny replications of classic pumps and shoes made out of animal figurines just didn’t seem plausible. I say that at the same time I am looking at the more than 20 pairs of shoes I’ve purchased for someone in my own home. Now I get it…well, most of it. I still don’t understand the whole concept of the shoes in animal shapes, but to each his own.

I’ll go into the concept of incorporating your miniature shoe collection into your home décor, but as you check out the sites listed below for the artists, note the color and design. Isn’t that what you look for when choosing artwork to complement a room’s design? Part of the fun of collecting, be it antiques or newer collectibles, is in showing that collection off. Ironically, miniature shoes can make a big splash in an otherwise tamed room.
Just the Right Shoe is a standard in the United States. Raine, the artist responsible for these designs, has been creating classic designs of everything from pumps to boots to sandals and clogs for her ardent fans. The average size is 2 ½ to 4”. Like Hallmark and David Winter, she has her own club, and members may buy exclusive designs available only to members.

Raine is a bone fide artist, having received her training at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. When she graduated, she found the traditional world of art limiting, and came up with this alter world of miniature shoes, handbags and accessories. She found it a way to express her love of art and also make a comment on the times in which these things existed. You’ll find everything from the thin-heeled, pointed-toe classic shoe, to sandals to Easter finds. Start to finish, you’ll find something in her collection that speaks to your heart, as it unfolds a piece of your own history. As an aside, Raine has continued in the field of traditional artwork, creating larger sculptures, as well as the miniatures. As a matter-of-fact, her sculptures are listed on the National Museum of Women in the Arts sculpture tour in Washington, D.C.

In this field, all shoes are not created equally, In my opinion, the only shoes that follow the true miniatures path are made by Just Right Shoe, If the Shoe Fits, Palais Royal Miniature Collectible Shoes, and Russini, with the latter two being “high end” collectibles in this field.

The Palais line is made with various alloys for sheen and Swarovski components to add the pizzazz. On eBay, the auctions for both Palais and Russini start at about $20 with shipping. Just recently ended on eBay were a group offered by Palais. The low end started at about $18, but the higher end of the collection started at $32. If you research the line, you’ll find that many of the starting sales run about $45. Are they worth it? The shoes recently retired run around $60-120.

The Palais collection originated in France about three years ago, and is known throughout Europe; however, it is just now starting to become known in the United States. The curve of the line, coupled with the crystals and fancy alloys make them a winner worth searching out and adding to your collection.

Just the Right Shoe and If the Shoe Fits manufacture shoes that replicate the real thing regardless of the style. For example, If the Shoe Fits has designed a classic 1920s nurse’s shoe, meant more for people into nostalgia than into the sleek look of a shoe. Avon also manufactures miniature shoes, but as that is not their main market, or even a major market for them, I haven’t included them in this article.

As for Internet hits on these latter collections, just do a search on “Just the Right Shoe”, then follow the many dealer offerings and look for the best deal. Even if the prices are the same, one may offer a deal on shipping. A mini pair of classic black stiletto heels, deemed “Timeless” retails for $15, and the shipping is free. “Jagged Edge,” a more adventurous type of low boot, sells for $17 on these sites. Both are fairly new products.

If your shoe fancy runs towards rhinestones and classic beauty, you’ll find something to fit your tastes (probably lots of things) on Ebay along with the other classic miniatures. One style stands out with its feel of Swarovski jewels and shimmering metals. Gold, silver, emerald and ruby are the standard look for this line. The price relates to the shoe size; beautiful, classic pumps run in the $8 range.

Lucy Arnold puts an artistic spin on the classic miniature shoe. Her collection, fashioned of polymer clay, is full of whimsy and color. Most have an iridescent sheen and take the form of something you’d find Peter Pan or Tinkerbell wearing. Her Outrageous Orchid is a shiny green mini boot of green, given the illusion of leaves. From inside the shoe, a purple petal drapes out over each side of the creation, given the feel what it would be like to wear an orchid on your foot. Well, it would fit on you foot, if your shoe size ran in the neighborhood of 2 and ½ inches.

It’s easy to see where Arnold’s influences come from if you take a peek at the standard artwork on her Web site. The colorful artistry that fills her paintings has spilled over into her miniature shoe collection.

Arnold’s collection is a great example of how (and why) a collectible can become the centerpiece of a room in your home. Decorate around your loves, your collectibles.
Perhaps your love of the circus can be seen in spots around your home. Some people fear clown, while other people revel in the joy clowns bring to children and adults alike. It shouldn’t be a surprise that even clown items are represented in the world of miniature shoes.

Spears Shoes in Massachusetts has added a line of shoes guaranteed to make a clown lover delight. That’s right: clown shoes. Spears features the high topped colorful oversized shoes you’ll see at any visit to the circus. Well, a circus for Little People, as these shoes are distinctly miniatures. Each shoe in the collection sells for $14.99.

Even horse lovers will find something in the miniature shoe field. The Guide Horse Foundation features a line of mini sneakers you’d expect to find on the feet of a horse lover. It’s no surprise that these shoes are called “Reebuck”.

If your style falls more into the Victorian range, take a look at Cynthia Howe’s miniature shoe collection. Silk, pearls, over-sized buckles and buttons adorn her shoe collection. The leather collection is made of thin, hand-dried leathers. These shoes would look enchanting in a formal Victorian Parlor in a classic curio or on a marble-topped table dedicated to the collection.

The art of displaying miniatures shoes gets a little tricky. Much like salt and pepper shakers, they are bothersome in that they are small. To put them on a standard bookcase shelf would be to lose the gentle, subtle nature of the shoe itself. It will basically get lost in the space.

I came across a display case on eBay, and now I’m seeing new ones being sold in both catalogues and through dealers. These are perfect for the shoe lover. Basically, they are huge shoes with a series of stair steps that are the perfect dimension for these tiny treasures. These shoes average around $75, but for the real collector, it’s a great way to display. Raine has also developed a handbag to be used for shoes, bags or accessories. Basically, it’s the back of a handbag with shelving (no glass). This retails for $90.
If you display them out in the open and only have a few, consider a mirror, preferably beveled, or even a piece of shiny glass to put under the miniature. The colors pop, and it makes the classic designs look even sleeker. In addition, they have a Lucite-looking, spiral display that will show off about six of your favorites for about $40-55.

Take advantage of wall space. Remember, we’re looking at these as a form of artwork to enhance your home style. You can find wall curios for almost any collectible. I found one designed to highlight the miniature shoe collection. When you look up miniature shoe and display in search engines, you’ll be taken to some tradition cabinet making sites. The display artisans take the size and width of the miniature shoe being displayed into consideration. At one, the cases run tall or wide, depending on your decorating needs. The cabinets run a mere four inches deep, so the case itself won’t overpower your room or your collection.

If you feel the need to keep them behind glass, you may have to configure something on your own. You may have to find other options just because you’ll run out of room. For as small as these gems are, they make a huge impact and take over the space quickly
This is one of those hobbies that seriously takes over. A friend gets you one for the holidays, then two more appear for a birthday…and the next thing you know you’re seeking out a decent storage space for them. Isn’t it always the way?