'African mask' shoe by Tokio Kumagai
Object No. 97/126/3
Sandal, 'African mask', single, womens, leather / suede / calfskin / rubber, designed by Tokio Kumagai, Paris, France, made in Italy, 1985
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Summary
Physical Description
Sandal, single, womens, 'African mask', leather/suede/calfskin/metal, Tokio Kumagai, designed in Paris, made in Italy, 1985 Single womens covered wedge sandal with pointed toe. The sandal consists of an upper featuring a leather toe strap attached to a perpendicular printed calfskin strap which affixes at the front of the sandal. Another printed calfskin instep strap joins the sole at the waist and a sling back leather strap passes underneath this strap to join onto the toe strap. An African style mask in ridged silver leather is attached by metal studs to both the toe and instep straps. The upper is lined in cream as is the 3/4 sock. The insole is in black leather. The wedge sole is covered in black leather and the sole is also in leather. Spring/Summer collection 1985.
DIMENSIONS
Height
95 mm
Width
75 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Tokio Kumagai was known for his unusual shoe making designs and his ability to successfully utilize shoes beyond their functional purpose. Combining traditional construction shapes and witty detail, his designs were very fashionable in the the 1980s. After Tokio Kumagai (born Japan, 1948 - died France, 1987) completed his studies in Tokyo in 1970 he headed for Paris where he worked with Castlebajac and later with Cerruti in Italy. In 1981 he opened his first shoe boutique in Paris at the exclusive address of Place des Victoires. Kumagai is famous for representing in his shoe designs the work of artists such as Dali, Kandinsky and Mondrian as well as playfully mimicking subjects such as sportscars, mice or African art. It is this innovative approach to design, incorporating handpainting as well as a wide range of materials, which has ensured Kumagai's shoes as collector's items. After Kumagai died, his Italian agent and friend, Amelio Zagato of Heresco, continued his role to produce shoes based on Kumagai's original designs from the 1980s. The shoes were made in Italy by Heresco under the name of Tokio Kumagai
HISTORY
Notes
The shoe have been acquired direct from Amelio Zagato of Heresco in Milan. The shoe has not been worn but bares a small hole through sole, due to display use.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Amelio Zagato from Heresco, 1997
Acquisition Date
8 May 1997
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