What the “Kelly”, “2.55” and “Paddington” were to the status seekers of the early 2000’s, the “Tribute”, “Armadillo” and “Lego” are to the modern hunters-and-gatherers of “it” possessions. As with all things fashion, the 2000‘s have seen a change in direction, whereby attention has shifted from the iconic handbag to the iconic shoe.
RATIONALE: Household objects such as lego, socks, cake and wire have been assembled and disguised as elements of various “it” shoes of the past decade. At first glance, they appear as ordinary product photos. Upon closer inspection, the flaws and oddities begin to show through. My intention was to create a photo series that held viewers at the uncomfortable intersection of real and fake - valuable and valueless, and ultimately challenge their distinctions.
Chanel, Gun Heel Platform (2009) water gun, foam, pop tab
Yves Saint Laurent, Cage Bootie (2009) chicken wire, thermal insole
Martin Margiela, Tabi Boot (1989+) sock, bird seed, wax candle
Prada, Flower-Heel Mary-Jane (2008) model magic, acrylic, nail polish
Alexander McQueen, Armadillo (2010) pound cake, photo cake transfer