Thom Browne Goes Full-On Camp With Dolphin Pedestal Shoes & More
Madeleine Crenshaw
Editorial Assistant
It was all about pastels, pre-French Revolution fashion and pageantry for Thom Browne this season.
Although Browne’s collection was noteworthy of seamlessly blending East Coast prep with 18th-century dress, it was his choice of models standing in bizarre dolphin-shaped shoes that shocked the crowd (and the Internet).
Four models stood like statues in the towering shoes while others strutted down the runway — some pushing baby carriages — to a soundtrack that featured opera, punk rock and the “Teletubbies” theme song.
According to WWD, one model had to step down from her pedestal before the end of the show.
It’s unclear exactly why Browne decided to feature the slightly-ominous dolphin shoes, though similar bulbous, but stationary footwear was spotted at his men’s show in June.
Watch on FN
There’s no doubt that camp was a source of inspiration for both of the American designer’s shows this season. The word has generated buzz thanks to The Met’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” exhibit that closed earlier this month. Notably, Browne’s partner is also the Met Costume Institute curator, Andrew Bolton.
Camp is in the air at Paris Fashion Week as several designers have taken cues from this year’s Costume Institute exhibit, including Balenciaga, Comme de Garçons and Rick Owens.
Browne’s use of corset jackets, towering hair-do’s and pannier hoop skirts evoked the style of when Louis XVI reigned, a time where camp is believed to have formed its origins.
Aside from the dolphin pedestal shoes, other noteworthy footwear spotted at the Thom Browne show included sporty heel-less heels with brogue detailing, pastel oxfords and lace-up boots.
Want more?
Balenciaga Traded Dad Shoes for Ballgowns and Square Toed Sneakers for Spring 2020
Paris Fashion Week Is a ‘Shoe-In’: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Footwear
Kinky Boots and K-Pop Made for a Winning Formula at Celine
