Weve all seen the iconic images of celebrities and fashionistas of the 60s wearing their platform shoes with the unmistakable goldfish motif.
Have you ever wondered who wore these iconic shoes, where they came from, and how they made such an impact? In this article, well take a look back in time to explore the origins of goldfish shoes, who was Andre Courreges, the designer behind the trend, who wore goldfish shoes, how they were made, the impact of the trend, and the legacy of goldfish shoes.
So, buckle up and lets take a trip back in time to explore the fascinating world of goldfish shoes!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The 1970s punk rocker, Siouxsie Sioux, was famous for wearing platform shoes filled with goldfish.
She also often wore a bright blue lipstick, and her dramatic, androgynous style helped to define the punk aesthetic.
She was the lead singer of the band Siouxsie and the Banshees and was a fashion icon of the punk era.
Origins of Goldfish Shoes
The trend of Goldfish Shoes originated in the late 1960s with the French fashion designer Andre Courreges.
Courreges was a pioneer of the futuristic and space-age fashion style, and he created the unique and eye-catching shoes to capture the attention of the public.
The shoes featured a large platform sole, with a plastic bubble embedded in the heel of the shoe.
Inside the bubble was a live goldfish, suspended in water and accompanying the wearer wherever they went.
These shoes quickly became a hit with the public, and were embraced by both men and women, including some famous celebrities such as Elton John and Bianca Jagger.
Although they were initially met with some skepticism, the Goldfish Shoes soon became an iconic symbol of the era.
They were seen as a statement of style, and a way to express individuality and creativity.
The trend eventually faded away, but the Goldfish Shoes remain an iconic symbol of the time.
Today, they are still remembered fondly as a unique fashion trend that was both daring and stylish.
Who Was Andre Courreges?
Andre Courreges was a French fashion designer and icon of the 1960s who is best known for his iconic Goldfish Shoes.
Courreges was born in Pau, France and studied architecture before becoming a fashion designer.
He had a long and successful career in fashion, during which he was known for creating innovative and futuristic designs.
His signature style was characterized by space-age elements, geometric shapes, and bright colors.
In addition to being a fashion designer, Courreges was also a photographer, sculptor, and artist.
He was a pioneer in the world of fashion, and his designs found favor with celebrities and everyday people alike.
He was an influential figure in the fashion industry, and his impact is still felt today.
His iconic Goldfish Shoes, which featured a large platform sole with a plastic bubble filled with water and a live goldfish, remain an iconic symbol of the era.
Who Wore Goldfish Shoes?
In the late 1960s, Goldfish Shoes were all the rage.
These shoes, designed by French fashion designer Andre Courreges, featured a large platform sole with a plastic bubble filled with water and a live goldfish.
The trend was embraced by both men and women, including celebrities such as Elton John and Bianca Jagger.
The unique design of the Goldfish Shoes made them an instant hit, and soon they could be seen everywhere from the red carpet to the local disco.
Women particularly embraced the trend, wearing the shoes with their bell bottoms and mini skirts to show off their style.
Men, too, were attracted to the shoe’s bold design, often pairing them with jeans and a t-shirt for a more relaxed look.
The shoes also became popular for their novelty factor.
Many people enjoyed carrying their own live fish around with them, and the trend soon spread to other parts of the fashion world.
Goldfish Shoes could be seen in magazines, television shows, and films of the time.
Although the trend has since faded, Goldfish Shoes remain an iconic symbol of the era.
To this day, the daring design of the shoes continues to inspire designers and fashionistas alike.
From the vibrant colors and playful shapes to the quirky addition of a live goldfish, the shoes are a reminder of a bygone era that still lives on in the fashion world.
How Were Goldfish Shoes Made?
The Goldfish Shoes were a unique fashion statement, made by the French fashion designer Andre Courreges.
The shoes featured a large platform sole with a plastic bubble filled with water and a live goldfish.
They were crafted with a complex combination of materials, including PVC plastic, rubber, and metal.
The PVC plastic was used to form the platform sole, while the rubber was used to form the bubble enclosing the fish and the metal was used to support the upper part of the shoe.
The entire process of creating the Goldfish Shoes was a meticulous one.
First, the PVC plastic was heated and molded to form the platform sole.
The rubber was then cut into a circle and heated to form the bubble that would house the fish.
The metal was then used to support the upper part of the shoe.
After the pieces were put together, the bubble was filled with water and the goldfish was carefully placed inside.
The end result was an eye-catching shoe that was both fashionable and functional.
The platform sole provided extra cushioning, while the bubble ensured that the fish was safe and secure.
As the trend gained popularity, more and more people embraced Goldfish Shoes, making them an iconic symbol of the era.
The Impact of the Trend
The impact of the Goldfish Shoes trend was immense and far-reaching.
Not only did the shoes become a fashion staple for both men and women, they also became an iconic symbol of the era.
Celebrities such as Elton John and Bianca Jagger were often seen wearing the shoes, and their popularity even spread to other countries.
As a result, the shoes became a symbol of the era’s free-spirited, rebellious attitude, and the trend reflected the changing attitudes of the time.
The trend also had a positive impact on the fashion industry.
The shoes were made by the French fashion designer Andre Courreges, and their popularity helped to establish Courreges as one of the leading designers of the time.
The shoes also inspired a wide range of other fashion trends, such as platform boots and sandals, which remain popular today.
Finally, the trend had a lasting impact on popular culture.
The shoes were often the subject of jokes and references in popular culture, and even today they are still a source of nostalgia for those who remember the era.
The shoes have also been featured in films, books, and television shows, reinforcing their status as an iconic symbol of the time.
The Legacy of Goldfish Shoes
Goldfish Shoes are an iconic symbol of the late 1960s fashion trend.
They were designed by French fashion designer Andre Courreges and featured a large platform sole with a plastic bubble filled with water and a live goldfish.
Despite their short-lived popularity, Goldfish Shoes remain one of the most recognizable fashion trends of the era.
The trend was embraced by both men and women, including celebrities such as Elton John and Bianca Jagger.
These shoes were seen as a bold statement of self-expression and a reflection of the rebellious spirit of the era.
They were often worn to make a statement, as many people saw them as a fashionable way to stand out from the crowd.
The trend of wearing Goldfish Shoes has since faded, but the shoes remain an iconic symbol of the era.
They are a reminder of a time when fashion was a form of self-expression and a way to stand out from the crowd.
It is also a reminder of the innovative designs and unique materials used by fashion designers of that era.
Goldfish Shoes also represent a unique piece of history, as they represent a time when people were willing to embrace bold and daring fashion choices.
They are a reminder of the power of fashion to make a statement and to reflect the spirit of the era.
Where Are Goldfish Shoes Now?
While Goldfish Shoes may not be as popular as they once were, they remain an iconic symbol of the late 1960s.
Although the trend has since faded, these shoes continue to be admired by fashion enthusiasts, vintage collectors, and those who remember the era fondly.
Today, Goldfish Shoes can still be found in vintage stores and online, often selling for hundreds of dollars.
For those who wish to recreate the look of the era, companies such as Gucci and Prada offer modern versions of the shoes with similar designs.
These shoes are often adorned with glitter, faux fur, and other decorations, and they are perfect for making a statement at any event.
In addition to vintage stores and modern fashion lines, Goldfish Shoes can also be found in museums around the world.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, for example, has a pair of original Goldfish Shoes on display.
The shoes, which were created in 1967, feature a red and white plastic sole with a plastic bubble filled with water and a single goldfish.
For those who want to appreciate Goldfish Shoes from the comfort of their own home, there are also various art prints depicting the shoes.
These prints often feature the shoes in vibrant colors and feature whimsical illustrations of the era.
They are a great way to add a touch of nostalgia to any home.
Final Thoughts
Goldfish Shoes are an iconic symbol of the late 1960s and early 70s, a time of great fashion and cultural change.
Although the trend has since faded, the legacy of Andre Courreges and Goldfish Shoes live on.
Take a look back in time and appreciate the creativity and thought that went into designing the first-ever Goldfish Shoes.
Who knows, maybe youll even be inspired to bring this trend back!