Unless you have been living under a very large rock, you will have heard that Disney have collaborated with nine luxury shoe designers to re-imagine Cinderella’s famed glass slipper. But what you may not know is that Level Shoe District in The Dubai Mall has been selected as one of only seven global iconic retail stores to exclusively launch and sell the Cinderella Shoe Collection.
A designer list which boast the likes of Nicholas Kirkwood, Jimmy Choo, Charlotte Olympia, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jerome Rousseau, Stuart Weitzman, Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman and Rene Caovilla used everything from perspex to Swarovski crystals – which were provided by Academy Award winning costume designer and creator of the iconic glass slipper for the film, Sandy Powell.
“Cinderella’s glass slipper has become a magical symbol of transformation,” said Jonathan Symington, vice president and general manager, licensing, Disney Entertainment at Disney Consumer Products. “Each pair of shoes in this exciting global collection captures Cinderella’s elegance and grace through the lens of celebrated designers, making this shoe collection truly fit for a princess.”
From all out glamour a la Jimmy Choo and Nicholas Kirkwood, to a more contemporary approach Paul Andrew and Jerome Rousseau style, we take a look at the enchanting collection that will surely go down in history. Well, what are you waiting for? Get down to Level Shoe District!
Stuart Weitzman: “Cinderella in 2015 has a timeless appeal. The diamond and translucent bootie enhance the vision I have of her.”
Stuart Weitzman: “Cinderella in 2015 has a timeless appeal. The diamond and translucent bootie enhance the vision I have of her.”
Charlotte Olympia: “I am delighted and honoured to be invited by Disney to design one of the most iconic shoes in history. It was such a pleasure to create my version of Cinderella’s glass slipper which I have aptly named If the Shoe Fits. This transparent platform shoe made with my signature PVC & perspex materials is adorned with star and crystal detailing as befits any princess.”
Charlotte Olympia: “I am delighted and honoured to be invited by Disney to design one of the most iconic shoes in history. It was such a pleasure to create my version of Cinderella’s glass slipper which I have aptly named If the Shoe Fits. This transparent platform shoe made with my signature PVC & perspex materials is adorned with star and crystal detailing as befits any princess.”
Paul Andrew: “Cinderella’s glass slipper represents every woman’s dream shoe. The story, being a classic, inspired me to use my iconic pointed toe silhouette, which I embellished with an array of hand encrusted Swarovski crystals to create the ultimate fantasy shoe. I used transparent PVC to create a ‘glass’ effect and ivory suede for luxurious texture and dimension.”
Paul Andrew: “Cinderella’s glass slipper represents every woman’s dream shoe. The story, being a classic, inspired me to use my iconic pointed toe silhouette, which I embellished with an array of hand encrusted Swarovski crystals to create the ultimate fantasy shoe. I used transparent PVC to create a ‘glass’ effect and ivory suede for luxurious texture and dimension.”
Jerome C. Rousseau: “The stroke of midnight is a wonderful element of the Cinderella fairy tale, it adds tension and intensity to the story. I was inspired by that when I designed this style for Cinderella and the result is a dramatic midnight-blue glitter sandal on a sky-high heel. The clear strap is reminiscent of the crystal slipper, while the refined gold and silver trims add the right amount of whimsy to the design. I wanted to create something that, if left behind, the Prince would feel even more captivated by Cinderella’s allure.”
Jerome C. Rousseau: “The stroke of midnight is a wonderful element of the Cinderella fairy tale, it adds tension and intensity to the story. I was inspired by that when I designed this style for Cinderella and the result is a dramatic midnight-blue glitter sandal on a sky-high heel. The clear strap is reminiscent of the crystal slipper, while the refined gold and silver trims add the right amount of whimsy to the design. I wanted to create something that, if left behind, the Prince would feel even more captivated by Cinderella’s allure.”
René Caovilla: “Works of arts called shoes’ to grant wishes and raise emotions. Passion and never ending research don’t draw the line at fantasy and creativity. This is how dreams come true in our fairy tale.”
René Caovilla: “Works of arts called shoes’ to grant wishes and raise emotions. Passion and never ending research don’t draw the line at fantasy and creativity. This is how dreams come true in our fairy tale.”
Alexandre Birman: “My vision of the glass slipper was inspired by the timeless and feminine beauty that I believe Cinderella and the Alexandre Birman brand both share. I reinterpreted our classic Johanna pump, this time giving it a fashionable and romantic twist with satin and Swarovski crystals. It’s a shoe I imagine a modern princess would wear.”
Alexandre Birman: “My vision of the glass slipper was inspired by the timeless and feminine beauty that I believe Cinderella and the Alexandre Birman brand both share. I reinterpreted our classic Johanna pump, this time giving it a fashionable and romantic twist with satin and Swarovski crystals. It’s a shoe I imagine a modern princess would wear.”
Nicholas Kirkwood: “Cinderella has both delicate and strong qualities as a character. The moment of transformation emphasises both and gave me the design inspiration to create a piece that spoke to the film’s magic.”
Nicholas Kirkwood: “Cinderella has both delicate and strong qualities as a character. The moment of transformation emphasises both and gave me the design inspiration to create a piece that spoke to the film’s magic.”
Salvatore Ferragamo, creative director Massimiliano Giornetti: “The magic of a shoe that turns a woman into a princess and gives her the feeling of walking on clouds is a universal dream. A modern Cinderella fairy tale of rediscovering a soft sensuality and a powerful femininity. A shoe made of transparency and light: the cage heel, an iconic symbol of Salvatore Ferragamo, is covered with Swarovski crystals and is transformed by sparkling impalpability.”
Salvatore Ferragamo, creative director Massimiliano Giornetti: “The magic of a shoe that turns a woman into a princess and gives her the feeling of walking on clouds is a universal dream. A modern Cinderella fairy tale of rediscovering a soft sensuality and a powerful femininity. A shoe made of transparency and light: the cage heel, an iconic symbol of Salvatore Ferragamo, is covered with Swarovski crystals and is transformed by sparkling impalpability.”
Jimmy Choo, Creative Director Sandra Choi: “I think every girl desires a Cinderella moment in their lives. This story ignites a love affair and fascination with shoes that never dies. The power they have to transform is instilled from a young age and the fantasy remains alive forever. I wanted to create a shoe that felt magical, with alluring sparkle and a feminine, timeless silhouette evoking those childhood emotions.”
Jimmy Choo, Creative Director Sandra Choi: “I think every girl desires a Cinderella moment in their lives. This story ignites a love affair and fascination with shoes that never dies. The power they have to transform is instilled from a young age and the fantasy remains alive forever. I wanted to create a shoe that felt magical, with alluring sparkle and a feminine, timeless silhouette evoking those childhood emotions.”
Be the star of your own fair tale and shop our collection of haute heels available here
Milli is a fashion blogger, tea drinker and sun worshiper, who has called Dubai her home for the last 24 years. Likes dog videos, free WiFi, Gucci and hashtags because they look like waffles.
