The Noel Shoe Museum, the first ever shoe museum in the United States, hosted a celebrity filled gala at Doubles Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Founded by renowned shoe and handbag designer Vanessa Noel, the Noel Shoe Museum celebrates the creativity and imagination of footwear throughout history via exhibitions that showcase the best collaborations in fashion, art, and the culture of footwear, with an emphasis on design, designers, history, and the manufacturing of footwear.
“SHOES! Who doesn’t love shoes? Vanessa’s are the best. I’ve know her since she had her first boutique on 65th off Madison. They were fabulous then, more fabulous now,” said Cheryl Lefkovits, DOWNTOWN Magazine’s Fashion and Accessories Editor.
The Noel Shoe Museum gala offered a welcome change after the past few years of isolation, attended by everyone from celebrities and socialites, to fashionistas and journalists.
“ The first Noel Shoe Museum gala at Doubles was splendid,” Lefkovits continues. “Everyone danced the night away.
“Shoes have played an important role in history. Footwear is a common denominator. They make a statement on their own. Vanessa spoke of her passion to a crossroads of attendees.
“After Vanessa’s glorious introduction, author Candace Bushnell spoke. Peter Bacanovic, Executive Director of the Museum, told me how shoes became characters in [Bushnell’s] stories. Former NBA player Charles Oakley spoke next. He was one of the first to make “sneaker” deals with Nike and the new prices crossed barriers. He’s just written a book, The Last Enforcer: Outrageous Stories from the Life and Times of one of NBA’s Fiercest Competitors. (Simon & Schuster.)
“Attendees went home with yummy MariBelle chocolates. Vira Jones of the Museum of African Art donated intricately embroidered shoes ( boots ) of the king of the Yurba people. Amy Fine Collins was there as well as Fern Mallis, Tiffany Dubin of Sotheby’s, designer Carolina Herrera, Christopher Mason, Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Boaz Mazur, Susan Gutfreund and so many many more Pop up locations are planned this coming winter and spring. There is going to be a “footnote” lecture series. Another larger fete is in the works. Stay tuned!“
In addition to its permanent collection, the Noel Shoe Museum also presents a number of exhibitions annually, all of which will provide an immersive, interactive, and inspiring experience.
The Museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions are accessible both nationally and internationally.
For more information, visit noelshoemuseum.org.