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Shoes with horsehair tassel
Designed by: Helmut Lang (Austrian, born in 1956)
Austrian
Autumn/Winter 2004–2005
Object Place: New York, New York, United States
Medium/Technique
Leather; suede; horsehair; wood
Dimensions
Length: 21 cm (8 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Accession Number2009.4613.3.1-2
CollectionsEurope, Contemporary Art, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
Designer Helmut Lang established his preference for unconventional materials early in his career, incorporating rubber, feathers, and metallic fabrics into his minimalist aesthetic. Influenced by Eastern European folk garments, these shoes were designed just before he left his label and retired from fashion in 2005 to focus on his career as an artist. Lang attaches horsehair tassels to these pumps, sprouting from the leather like bouncy ponytails that waggle as the wearer walks.
DescriptionOff-white high-heeled suede sandal with horsehair tassel at center back. Interior embossed "HELMUT LANG" and "Made in Italy" and sole "HELMUT LANG/Made in Itlay/39."
ProvenanceBefore 2009, in collection of hl-art, LLC; gift of hl-art to the MFA (Accession date: September 16, 2009)
Copyrighthl-art