Arsho Baghsarian

One of the most important shoe designers of the mid- to late twentieth century, Arsho Baghsarian spent more than four decades working behind the scenes for prestigious companies with men's names on the label, including Christian Dior, Andrew Geller, I. Miller, and Stuart Weitzman, as well as Shoe Biz. Her creative genius is illustrated in this photographic collection of full-page sketches, prototypes, and production pairs that she donated to the Fashion Institute of Technology. Known for her sculptural heels and the use of exotic materials such as snakeskin, crystal, and Lucite, Baghsarian's extraordinary journey spans from a childhood in Turkey to prolific partnerships with major American shoe labels and the international factories that produced her designs. Connoisseurs of high-fashion footwear will be fascinated by the story of Baghsarian's pioneering career and inspirations, which ranged from Mexican art and the Philippine jungle to the passing of time.