Cinderella's glass slipper might be the most famous shoe in history, but it's just a fairy tale. Or at least it was until now. In celebration of the March 13 release of the live-action movie version of the Disney classic, Saks Fifth Avenue commissioned nine of the world's best shoe designers to reimagine the heel for today's woman.
The limited-edition, fit-for-a-princess shoe line — made using crystals provided by Swarovski, who produced not only the film's costumes but also the iconic slipper — will retail globally.
From a timeless Jimmy Choo silhouette to Charlotte Olympia's signature platform to a Ferragamo crystal-covered cage heel, you'd trade in Prince Charming for a pair of pumps this good. Below, a first look at the sketches and photos of some of the actual shoes before the complete footwear collection is unveiled next month.
"The stroke of midnight is a wonderful element of the Cinderella fairytale — 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."
"'Works of art 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."
"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."
"I am delighted and honored 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."
"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." — Massimiliano Giornetti, creative director
"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." — Sandra Choi, creative director
"Cinderella in 2015 has a timeless appeal. The diamond and translucent bootie enhance the vision I have of her."
"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."
"Cinderella has both delicate and strong qualities as a character. The moment of transformation emphasizes both and gave me the design inspiration to create a piece that spoke to the film's magic."