Terry de Havilland has been creating his signature platform heels for 50 years, having learnt his trade from his dad, who was a cobbler to the girls of Soho’s risqué Windmill Theatre in the ‘40s. Some of that showgirl style is still apparent in Terry’s sexy, flamboyant designs, which feature his trademark ‘flatform’ heel and flamboyant fabrics (wife Liz de Havilland is in charge of the decadent colour schemes and decoration; metallic snakeskin is a typical Terry favourite.)
To celebrate the 50-year career of Mr de Havilland, Selfridges Shoe Galleries will be hosting a month-long exhibition in his honour, which kicks off today. There will be archive designs on display alongside the A/W ’11 collection, as well as specially created anniversary shoes. A must visit for die hard de Havilland fans, or anyone who has a secret shoe fetish (so, pretty much all of us, then!)
Terry de Havilland’s celebrity devotees include Sienna Miller, burlesque queen Dita von Teese and Kate Moss, who received a bespoke version of her favourite ‘Margeaux’ style as a wedding present from the designer last weekend. According to reports, they were red snakeskin platforms featuring some very naughty phrases spelled out using Swarovski crystals on the soles. The perfect gift for a de Havilland lover on her honeymoon. Unfortunately we don’t think that particular pair will be on show at the exhibition...even so, we’ll be hotfooting it to Selfridges on our lunch breaks! Shoe heaven.
Terry de Havilland exhibition at the Shoe Galleries at Selfridges 0800 123 400
Read all about Jason Wu for Melissa shoes
Check out Kate Moss' best fashion looks
