When I first heard about GOD SAVE MY SHOES, I was incredibly excited to see a documentary that focuses on why women love shoes. Maybe I was hoping to answer some questions about myself... However, the film never came to London, but it is now available on DVD.
Caid Productions, the people behind the film, were nice enough to send me a copy for my very own personal edification. The documentary, directed by Julie Benasra, explores the deep relationship women have with their shoes and features interviews with celebrities and designer cobblers alike. There were some very interesting theories and arguments presented, including one that compares wearing modern heels to Chinese foot binding. (Well, I think that comparison is a bit drastic. After all, you can just take the shoe off at will.) There's also a history lesson in shoes; the word stiletto originates from Latin meaning a long, slender dagger. Seems appropriate considering most could be used as a weapon... In more ways than one. The stiletto heel made its mark during the 1950's with its creator being somewhat of a dispute. Was it Ferragamo? Vivier? Whomever it was, I thank them. I couldn't imagine living in a world without high heels... I don't even want to think about it. The history also includes the idea of impracticality of footwear as an expression of status. Think shoes for noble women during the Renaissance.
The business of acquiring shoes is a want vs. need issue. We buy several pairs of shoes because we want them, not necessarily because we need them. My shoe collection is always growing and I believe will never be complete. There will always be another shoe that I will need. I think every women's psychology of amassing shoes is something that has been ingrained in our minds since the very first time we heard the story of Cinderella. Subconsciously, we believe that the perfect pair of shoes will change our lives. What I believe it all comes down to is the way you feel when you put on a pair of high heels. Putting on a pair of heels instantly changes your posture, accentuating the bum and bosom. It is arguably the easiest and least painful way to adjust your body appearance. Maybe not always the cheapest, but definitely the easiest. The film even includes a segment on a learning how to walk in high heels. Thanks to my mother, I spent time in my teenage years practicing in the hallway of our home.
The film was made for shoe enthusiasts, but even if you only like shoes a little bit, you will enjoy the film.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THIERRY DAHER & MELISSA BALAN.