Reviews: The Bata Shoe Museum & the AGO
In early January I took a shotgun trip to Toronto for a change of pace and of scene. I partook in one of my favorite pasttimes which is museum hopping. What made my museum hopping adventure even more exciting was that I was not in my backyard. I was in Toronto, which in my opinion, is one of the most eclectic cities in North America and Canada. In just two days I took in some of the best art Toronto had to offer at the Bata Shoe Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The Bata Shoe Museum is a shoe lover's haven. Various shoe styles from the beginning of time to now are exhibited on the first level of the museum. I'm not exaggerating when I say that footwear from every continent can be found here.
The most intriguing aspect of the museum’s first floor is that so much history can be learned through examining footwear. From the ancient Chinese’s shoes to Manolo Blaknik’s earliest designs, fashionistas can have their fill of a plethora of heel and sole styles. On the second level of the Bata museum a history of music and shoes coincide. Legendary music icons like Madonna, Elton John and Elvis Presley have shoes on display from their prime days of performing. Elton John’s empire platform heels were my favorite. Also displayed on the second level of the museum are the shoes of spiritual leader the Dali Lama as well as a pair of enormous sneakers of Shaquille O’Neal.
On another level of the museum, a variety of moccasins are on display. History of the American Southwest, the Native Americans, and the decorative and colorful moccasins they wore, fill the galleries on the third floor. The fourth floor of the museum is dedicated to French fashion pioneer Roger Vivier. His exhibit “Process to Perfection” shows many of his perfect works. I first became aware of Vivier during a fashion show years ago. I never realized how influential he was in fashion, particularly with the high heel. Vivier has influenced the works of many great designers and hints of his genius are undoubtedly woven into the material of some of the most current shoe fashions. He has collaborated with such stars of fashion as Christian Dior. A little known fact by most is that Vivier was also a milliner for a short time, designing hats for the many stylish vixens of his time.
Though there has been debate on who invented the stiletto heel, I’d have to agree that Vivier played a major role in shaping it. Some of the shoe styles that I enjoy the most, the stiletto, thigh high boot and platform shoe, were all staples of his success. Shoe lovers and fashionistas alike are promised an overdose of inspiration through this exhibit. While in Toronto I also viewed several exhibits in the Art Gallery of Ontario. As in most museums, I truly get lost in awe witness what creative minds are capable of. Art museums are a playground for my imagination and they satiate my creative thirsts. As I meandered through the halls, taking in the works of artists worldwide, past and present, my admiration for every unique cultural perspective was never-ending.