Dr. Pamela Royal Shoe Collection – Part 2

This is part two of a feature on Pamela Royal’s recent donation of more than 20 pairs of women’s couture shoes to the Valentine Richmond History Center. Dr. Pamela Royal is a Richmond dermatologist, former History Center board chair and a local philanthropist.

For part one about her shoe collection, please see our TIMELINE Newsletter.

Footwear has cyclical inspiration as well as modern innovation. Examples from Pam Royal’s collection encompass current styles as well as inspiration from the past. We are also excited to add previously unrepresented couture shoe designers to our collection, such as Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo.

Every little girl dreams of becoming a graceful ballerina in ballet class, but only Gucci can turn this into a reality on the runway. After she receives her first pair of ballet shoes and practices her positions in these traditional dance shoes, she transforms into a fierce Prima Donna with lace-up black pointed pumps, c. 1928.

Known for her evening fashion, Pam does not disappoint with these beautifully jeweled, velvet strappy sandals by Prada. The layers of sequins and sparkle evoke a sense of glamour, much like the sequins and beading on this 1950s purple evening gown in the History Center collection.

Christian Louboutin red leather and gold spike pumps feature zipper detailing and sheer black lace in a preppy-punk aesthetic. Louboutin is French couture shoe designer, working in the 1990s and early 2000s to return high heels to forefront of the fashion industry. His sensual designs are easily identifiable by their Pantone Chinese Red soles.

These elegant Jimmy Choo black satin peep-toe platform pumps remind us of the glamour of Sara Jessica Parker in Sex and the City. Jimmy Choo began making extravagant footwear in the 1990s, with celebrities falling for his creations immediately. Styles like this pump featuring a rhinestone buckle detail with an abbreviated bow graced many red carpets.

Jackie Mullins
Registrar / Collections Manager

Bethany Gingrich
Museum Technician in Costume and Textiles