Shoe Designers Make-Over Cinderella’s Glass Slipper

Stuart Weitzman: “Cinderella in 2015 has a timeless appeal. The diamond and translucent bootie enhance the vision I have of her.” Courtesy Business Wire
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.” Courtesy Business Wire
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.” Courtesy Business Wire
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.” Courtesy Business Wire
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.” Courtesy Business Wire
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.” Courtesy Business Wire
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.” Courtesy Business Wire)
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.” Courtesy Business Wire
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.” Courtesy Business Wire

The long awaited Disney live action version of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, is set to be released in cinemas on March 27th and we are literally frothing from the mouth with excitement. The film, which stars Lily James, Cate Blanchett and more iconic talent, features the iconic glass slippers, designed by Swarovski. As though that wasn’t glamorous enough, Disney has collaborated with nine luxury shoe designers, including; Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman, René Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Jerome C. Rousseau, and Stuart Weitzman. Each designer has created a very different interpretation of the famous glass slipper. What’s even more exciting is that they’ll be showcased in select department stores around the world. To keep you going before they’re on display, check out the sketches of these breathtakingly beautiful pieces.

Melanie Stockman

Click here to watch the Cinderella Trailer.