Shoe blog

Altered Couture: Reconstructed Shoes

I am constantly surprised at the different fashion movements that we find around us. One of the more intriguing trends that has been on the rise (or revival) for several years is the Altered Couture & Art to Wear movements among home-sewers, hobbyists, and artists. These result in one-of-a-kind individualistic pieces that fulfill simultaneous roles as both art and fashion; function with beauty and individuality.  The fact that many of the creations combine artistic methods with recycling of past fashion materials is a bonus for those interested in living a more ‘green lifestyle’ – it seems a natural complement to those who tend toward a boho-chic lifestyle.

Why this topic? Simple, yesterday’s weekly ’pilgrimage’ to our local bookseller saw me purchasing the Spring 2009 issue of Stampington & Company’s ‘Altered Couture’ magazine.  Just look at the shoe-candy cover on this thing:

And the quick peak inside to give you an idea of the content and format:

Above photos via Stampington & Company website.

While there are occasionally articles on altered shoe projects, this issue has not one, but three different articles specifically focusing on individually reconstructed/altered shoes, plus two additional reader’s projects highlighted within the ’gallery’ subsection of it’s pages.  It is a lovely indicator that even in a tight economy, some people are drawn to add elegance and beauty into their lives – even in so simple a fashion as making a pair of sale-price shoes into unique pieces of wearable art.

Whether your are a crafting enthusiast, sewer, or simply a lover of unique or artistic shoes, this issue is an intriguing look at those who don’t settle for ‘store-bought’ but feel compelled to make a simple pair of shoes into something much more interesting.  The fact that the articles give a brief explanation on how readers can apply techniques to their own projects to achieve similar results is an added bonus.

And, at least one of the featured artists, Pat Berryhill,  has an online etsy storefront; one where the following unique items that were showcased in the Spring 2009 Altered Couture are currently offered for sale:

Here Kitty, Kitty Mary Jane Shoes $50, size 8-8.5

Snazzalicious Shoes $50, size 8

Marie A. Shoes $50, size 8

Cover price of this quarterly publication is $14.99. I have found it to be stocked at most Borders and Barnes and Nobles brick-and-mortar locations, as well as some news-stands and grocery markets. It is also available for order at the Stampington & Company website.

Of course, if you are a size 8, you could always pop over to etsy.com and decide if these are for you.