John Galliano’s Dior spring/summer 2009 ‘Tribal Chic’ collection is said to be heavily influenced by his travels to Africa. For me, that means ethnic prints sashaying down the runway. Galliano, who is decidedly more dramatic than I will ever be, had different ideas. I can just imagine what went through his imaginative head.

He probably came back from a safari, started unpacking the equivalent of a treasure trove of artifacts from his adventures, and spotted a wooden African fertility goddess figurine. Inspired by the abundance, he felt compelled to incorporate the likeness into the spring collection. But where would he put such a thing? Well, the heel of course. And while he was at it, why not make it shiny too.

But wait, John came back with a treasure chest of goodies, right? That means ample figurines left for tribal earrings and necklaces (though hopefully not made of elephant tusks).

Of course, no journey into Africa would be complete without a crocodile hunt. Afterwards, the hide would be great for making bondage-inspired cage shoes.

Photos via Coutorture.com and Style.com