Postcard from London, England: Fashion foot forward

Above left: Hedgehog at the feet of an entombed noble, Westminster Abbey. Above right: Butterfly-wing sandals, Sophia Webster, “Rebel: Thirty Years of London Fashion,” The Design Museum

One might assume I have a foot fetish, as once again I focus on what’s found underfoot of effigies atop monumental tombs of the rich and powerful who occupy prime real estate in churches in Europe. Prior to this, most guardians of the feet we encountered were dogs – beloved lapdogs or prized hunting hounds to offer comfort and protection for the dead.

But the fashion for many of those buried in Westminster Abbey is sculpted to emphasize distinction and convey rank and power. Kings and queens incline toward lions. The regal Scottish red lion posted by Mary Queen of Scots appears assigned to make sure no one attempts to peep up her numerous layers of petticoats.

The stag might symbolize a master of the hunt, but the hedgehog? A cherished pet or part of a family crest? Although we often refer to toddlers as underfoot, the presence of one positioned this way on a tomb?

The shoes themselves at Westminster appear practical and sturdy, far from glamorous. Which brought my attention to what cutting-edge footwear the famous dying 500 years later might don for eternity if effigies were still the rage for making a statement.

All of the contemporary shoes below are found in The Design Museum; most are from a special exhibit, “Rebel: Thirty Years of London Fashion” (more about both the museum and exhibit later).

Definitely not part of that show is the following shot, including a pair of crocs tucked away on the bottom shelf, adjacent to a wall offering potential subjective descriptions.

Would you judge Crocs “now smart” or “dowdy”?

And, I will confess to simply gallery-hopping. I wince at the thought of even trying on a pair of spike heels. At my age, my favored footwear is comfortable, sturdy and flat – the shoes preferred by royalty of yore.