Remember jellies? Brightly colored, glossy plastic jelly shoes, usually shortened to jellies, were a 1980s fad. Made from injection molded plastic, jellies were available in a rainbow of colors and often had a textured (braided, ridged, etc.) surface. Though slip-on jellies were the most common style, buckle jelly sandals and even jelly lace-ups were also available. This pair by Thierry Mugler are in the classic slip-on style, though the lightning bolt cut-out gives them a unique character. Though it's a bit difficult to see in this image, the shoes are embedded with gold glitter.
Apollo jelly shoes Thierry Mugler for Grendha 1985 Museum Purchase 2004.5.67AB
Thierry Mugler S/S 1998 Ready-to-wear Museum Purchase 2005.5.22AB
The work of Thierry Mugler is noted for its theatricality and an emphasis on exaggerated, aggressive femininity. Mugler began his career as a freelance designer in the early 1970s; by the end of the decade he had opened his first boutique in Paris. From the beginning, Mugler used fashion to create a stylized feminine archetype: "square shoulders, slender waist, full hips and tight skirt-preferably slit to the hip."1 Mugler presented his designs in spectacular runway shows that resembled stage productions. You can watch the La Chimere (A/W 1997/8) couture collection presentation here. At about 2:22 the mythical human/animal Chimere herself appears. Her costume clearly demonstrates the inherent theatricality of Mugler's aesthetic.
