Shoe and Pleasure Talk

Inspired by Shoes: Pleasure and Pain, the must-see fashion exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Fox & Squirrel has organised an afternoon dedicated to the most celebrated sartorial accessory. On Saturday 5th of December, 2015, join Fox & Squirrel’s founder Penelope Sacorafou in conversation with Caroline Groves, bespoke shoe maker with more than 20 years of traditional shoemaking experience. Ms Groves’ famous parakeet shoes, a highlight of the V&A’s exhibition, provide an example of her ability in her design to cross boundaries between fashion, art and fantasy.

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain explores the transformative power of footwear from around the world and highlights the obsession shoes can inspire. The exhibition brings together over 200 pairs of exceptional shoes from the latest innovations to a dazzling range of historic shoes, many displayed for the first time.

While in conversation, Ms Groves will give insight into her design and creation process, providing a unique insight into the world of couture shoe making, from the commissioning stage up to and including completion. While she shares existing commissions that are currently at different stages of completion, guests will view never before seen shoe designs, including commissions that incorporate precious gems and metals like sapphires, rubies, gold leaf and silver; shoes fit for a queen.

To accompany such opulence, Belgraves Hotel is providing an afternoon tea, designed by acclaimed chef Sophie Michell and inspired by the magnificent character of Marie Antoinette, France’s most famous queen, whose own embellished slippers sold for more than 50,000 in 2012. The afternoon menu will include savouries such as Foie Gras on Brioche Toast, Cheese Balls with Quince and Hollandaise Quail Egg Tartlets. Equally impressive are the sweet treats such as Champagne Lychee Jelly with Rosewater cream, absinthe choux and chocolate opera cake sit alongside classic scones with jam and clotted cream complete with indulgent tea.