As one of fashion’s most timeless inspirations, representations of flowers have appeared in textiles and footwear throughout history. From spring cherry blossoms as a symbol of new beginnings to the fall-blooming chrysanthemum as an emblem of joy and happiness, each floral motif holds a unique story. A celebration of how nature has provided meaning and material for shoemaking across both time and place, In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear features some of the most beautiful shoes from the museum’s collection.

Both shoe lovers and flower enthusiasts will enjoy this fascinating showcase that pairs each footwear artifact with one or more botanicals. Twenty-five floral and natural material variations are highlighted throughout the exhibition. From hydrangea, peony, iris, and tulip to cork, thistle, and acanthus, visitors will learn about the origin and symbolism of each, as well as several interesting facts such as: during World War II, many countries restricted the use of traditional shoemaking materials such as leather and rubber. Shoemakers throughout Europe and North America turned to cork and grass to make fashionable footwear, including platforms.

The museum is honoured to have collaborated with three Indigenous guest curators including anthropologist Linda Sioui, beadwork artist and curator Paula Menarick, and Camina Weasel Moccasin, curator from the Galt Museum & Archives in Alberta. Each generously shared their expertise on a selection of three floral moccasins, representing a total of 9 pairs in the exhibition.

The exhibition opens on the 20th April 2023 and will close in October 2024.

Highlights

Rose

These shoes are made of a silk brocade fabric that includes pink and red roses. Floral motifs were hugely popular in 18th-century Euro-North American women’s fashion, and floral dresses often had matching shoes.
Colonial American/English, c. 1760–1770. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum

Poppy

In 1988, Italian shoe designer Andrea Pfister created this playful mule which features poppies across the vamp. The poppy’s large and colorful red flowers have made it a popular motif in fashion.
Italian, 1988. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum

Peonies

This pair of Air Jordan 1s is customized by Canadian sneaker artist Vicky Vuong, who designed them to honor her grandmother and celebrate her Asian heritage. Vuong’s handpainted design featuring peonies was inspired by the florals often found on Chinese porcelain.
Canadian and American, 2022. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum

Peonies

Heavily beaded mules are a longstanding part of Southeast Asian Peranakan wedding attire. This pair features lush pink peonies and butterflies done in detailed beadwork.
Peranakan, probably 1920s. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum

Grass

During World War II many countries restricted the use of traditional shoemaking materials such as leather and rubber. Shoemakers throughout Europe and North America turned to cork and grass for fashionable women’s footwear including platforms.
North American or French, late 1930s to mid 1940s. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum

Cotton

These delicate cotton socks feature colorful floral embroidery and pink tassels at the toe. Known as taraebeoseon , this style would have been worn by an infant before the age of three.
Korean, 1900-20. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum

Rose

These shoes are made of a silk brocade fabric that includes pink and red roses. Floral motifs were hugely popular in 18th-century Euro-North American women’s fashion, and floral dresses often had matching shoes.
Colonial American/English, c. 1760–1770.