Westwood Heritage: Animal Toe

The concept re-appeared in the Spring-Summer collection of 2002, aptly named ‘Nymphs.’ The sleeping nymph of spring was a central motif in art of the Renaissance. In this show, Vivienne unveiled new methodologies, while also re-examining pieces from her own archives. She introduced the ‘Nymphs Seditionary Boot,’ a reworking of the original boot first designed in the 1970’s, adding the animal toe detail and a heel. This style is still available from our Worlds End Classics collection.

Animal shoes further resurfaced in the Spring-Summer 2020 collection, entitled ‘Rock Me Amadeus.’ As Andreas Kronthaler recalls, “We have re-issued the animal toe shoe on a new heel – Mozart would have loved it.” The collection recontextualized the pieces entirely. On this occasion, the animal toe was presented in connection with the show invitation, which featured an illustration of a Sumantra tiger, adhering to endangered species. The show notes supported the organisation Fauna & Flora, in their quest to save the animal from extinction.

The animal toe is reimagined for the latest Autumn-Winter collection as a gym shoe. Composed of canvas and rubber, the toe cap of the designer shoe is moulded in the form of the now iconic animal toe motif. The collection also includes designs that featured the “Eyes” artwork, painted by Vivienne, reminiscent of animal markings (or the concept of eyes warning off predators, like a peacock’s tail or a leopard’s spots).