The indelible legacy of late great Prince went far beyond his sensational hits, in a musical league of their very own; the enigmatic icon’s personal style, demeanour and presence were an equally otherworldly wonder. Perhaps more than his influence on fashion, captivating individuality was at the centre of the artists’ magnetism.
Now, according to VOGUE, a new exhibit titled The Beautiful Collection: Prince’s Custom Shoes hosted at Prince’s former Paisley Park home and studio — in Chanhassen, Minnesota – is putting the star’s transcendent wardrobe on display; specifically, his incredible collection of heeled boots that were a defining element of his look. Over 300 pairs will be on display, many custom-made for live performances and music videos; in collaboration with some of the world’s most prominent designers like Donatella Versace, who was also a close personal friend of the artist.
From the green sequin boots he wore at the 1985 American Music Awards, booties pumps and roller skates – Prince kept them all. According to Mitch Maguire, Paisley Park’s legacy preservationist and curator of the exhibit, “Some of these shoes were in storage for over 30 years. A lot of work has gone into bringing them back to life.”
One particularly iconic piece included in the collection are the famous cloud-print boots from the classic “Raspberry Beret” music video, “The clouds on those shoes were hand-painted,” says Maguire. “And, of course, there was a matching suit as well.”
Prince & The Revolution | “Raspberry Beret”
“He was always pushing the boundaries of social acceptance, and he really ignited a whole new conversation in terms of how we look at gender roles and fashion,” says Maguire. “Prince used his shoes as an extension of his own artistry. He took something [like heels], which was typically associated with being feminine, and turned it into something really fiercely masculine.”
While it is currently impossible for us here in Australia to travel to Paisley Park and witness this fashion extravaganza first hand, you can head over to VOGUE for a sneak peek slideshow of The Beautiful Collection: Prince’s Custom Shoes, here.
GET PRINCE ALBUMS ON VINYL, HERE.
Listen to Prince on Spotify:
Listen to Prince on Apple Music:
