Footwear has been integral to human history since its earliest days; archeological finds of complete shoes date back to the Chalcolithic period (ca. 5000 BCE). MSM / Valenzuela's Footwear Collection explores our culture's growing fascination with extravagant and fashionable shoes, tracing the history of footwear since the 15th century and its evolution. Once merely secondary to clothing, shoes have become the leading fashion accessory, surpassing the It bag—a high-priced, designer handbag that has become a popular bestseller—as the most coveted item. The MSM Collection includes extraordinary shoe styles from the 15th to the 21st centuries, highlighting innovations in concepts, construction, materials, social impact, and embellishments that have positioned shoes at the forefront of fashion.
MSM / Valenzuela's historical collection includes men's, women's, and children's shoes from around the world, spanning from the 15th to the 21st century. The earliest pieces, dating back to the 15th century, are made from materials such as thick, woven cloth, woodblocks, wool felt, and various grades of leather. As with any dress item, shoes historically signaled the wearer's status.
The twentieth century brought significant innovations in footwear design and materials, introducing steel-reinforced stiletto heels and utilizing plastics, zippers, Velcro, and high-tech fibers. This era blurred the lines between utilitarian or athletic styles and high fashion. The MSM collection features works by renowned designers and manufacturers, including Roger Vivier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Vivienne Westwood, Herbert Levine, Manolo Blahnik, and Charles Jourdan.
Additionally, designers like Martin Margiela and Alexander McQueen, represented in the Collection, challenge traditional footwear concepts with their minimal, deconstructed designs, often omitting essential parts of the shoe. The 21st century has seen an interesting shift in the footwear industry, particularly with the rise of sneakers, which began in the late 20th century.
The digital era has further revolutionized the footwear industry. Technological advances and e-commerce have transformed how shoes are designed, manufactured, and sold. 3D printing, virtual try-ons, and augmented reality have enhanced the consumer experience, allowing for greater customization and convenience. Social media and online influencers have also significantly shaped trends and driven demand for innovative and unique footwear designs. As a result, the digital age has broadened access to diverse styles and accelerated the pace at which fashion trends emerge and evolve.