I must admit, the miniature shoe collecting field is one I fell into only about two years ago. Until then, the thought of anyone collecting tiny replications of classic pumps and shoes made out of animal figurines just didn’t seem plausible. I say that at the same time I am looking at the more than 20 pairs of shoes I’ve purchased for someone in my own home. Now I get it…well, most of it.
I still don’t understand the whole concept of the shoes in animal shapes, but to each his own. Just the Right Shoe is a standard in the United States. Raine, the artist responsible for these designs, has been creating classic designs of everything from pumps to boots to sandals and clogs for her ardent fans. The average size is 2 ½ to 4″. Like Hallmark and David Winter, she has her own club, and members may buy exclusive designs available only to members. Raine is a bone fide artist, having received her training at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. When she graduated, she found the traditional world of art limiting, and came up with this alter world of miniature shoes, handbags and accessories. She found it a way to express her love of art and also make a comment on the times in which these things existed. You’ll find everything from the thin-heeled, pointed-toe classic shoe, to sandals to Easter finds. Start to finish, you’ll find something in her collection that speaks to your heart, as it unfolds a piece of your own history. As an aside, Raine has continued in the field of traditional artwork, creating larger sculptures, as well as the miniatures.
As a matter-of-fact, her sculptures are listed on the National Museum of Women in the Arts sculpture tour in Washington, D.C. In this field, all shoes are not created equally, In my opinion, the only shoes that follow the true miniatures path are made by Just Right Shoe, If the Shoe Fits, Palais Royal Miniature Collectible Shoes, and Russini, with the latter two being “high end” collectibles in this field. The Palais line is made with various alloys for sheen and Swarovski components to add the pizzazz. On eBay, the auctions for both Palais and Russini start at about $20 with shipping. Just recently ended on eBay were a group offered by Palais. The low end started at about $18, but the higher end of the collection started at $32. If you research the line, you’ll find that many of the starting sales run about $45 re they worth it? The shoes recently retired run around $60-120.
The Palais collection originated in France about three years ago, and is known throughout Europe; however, it is just now starting to become known in the United States. The curve of the line, coupled with the crystals and fancy alloys make them a winner worth searching out and adding to your collection. Just the Right Shoe and If the Shoe Fits manufacture shoes that replicate the real thing regardless of the style. For example, If the Shoe Fits has designed a classic 1920s nurse’s shoe, meant more for people into nostalgia than into the sleek look of a shoe. Avon also manufactures miniature shoes, but as that is not their main market, or even a major market for them, I haven’t included them in this article. As for Internet hits on these latter collections, try www.gocollect.com and www.always-forever.com. This are just two of the sources for these shoes, and from what I’ve seen, the prices are pretty standard.
Just do a search on “Just the Right Shoe”, then follow the many dealer offerings and look for the best deal. Even if the prices are the same, one may offer a deal on shipping. A mini pair of classic black stiletto heels, deemed “Timeless” retails for $15, and the shipping is free. “Jagged Edge,” a more adventurous type of low boot, sells for $17 on these sites. Both are fairly new products. The art of display gets a little tricky. Much like the salt and pepper shakers, they are bothersome in that they are small. To put them on a standard bookcase shelf would be to lose the gentle, subtle nature of the shoe itself. It will basically get lost in the space. I came across a display case on eBay, and now I’m seeing new ones being sold in both catalogues and through dealers. These are perfect for the shoe lover. Basically, they are huge shoes with a series of stair steps that are the perfect dimension for these tiny treasures.
These shoes average around $75, but for the real collector, it’s a great way to display. Raine has also developed a handbag to be used for shoes, bags or accessories. Basically, it’s the back of a handbag with shelving (no glass). This retails for $90. If you display them out in the open and only have a few, consider a mirror, preferably beveled, or even a piece of shiny glass to put under the miniature. The colors pop, and it makes the classic designs look even sleeker. www.CollectibleShoes.com offers a series of these mirrors. In addition, they have a Lucite-looking, spiral display that will show off about six of your favorites for about $40-55. If you feel the need to keep them behind glass, you may have to configure something on your own; however, I have two black ones in my home, and I’m running out of space already. This is one of those hobbies that seriously takes over. A friend gets you one for the holidays, then two more appear for a birthday…and the next thing you know you’re seeking out a decent storage space for them. Isn’t it always the way?
