Bata Shoe Museum’s Latest Exhibit Will Focus on Consumerism and the Shoes of the 1980s
Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum is set to open its latest large-scale exhibition in November, exploring the footwear of the 1980s.
Through this new exhibit, the Canadian museum will examine consumerism and self-expression by surveying the very decade famous for its excess. Titled “Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s,” the retrospective will open to the public on Nov. 1 and will remain open until March 16, 2025.
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According to the museum, the exhibition will feature over 80 pairs of shoes in a gallery space set to transform into a 1980s-inspired shopping mall, taking visitors back in time to experience the full effect of the decade. The gallery will then be organized into six sections: Dressed for Success; Work Hard, Play Hard; Let’s Get Physical; Mainstream Rebels; Pump It Up; and Designer Highlights.
Visitors to the retrospective can expect to see signature ‘80s shoes like the Nike Air Jordan 1 and the Reebok Freestyle Hi. By the end of the 1980s, Nike was one of the most successful producers of athletic footwear. Much of its success can be attributed to its new focus on basketball shoes and the signing of rookie Michael Jordan to the brand in 1984.
As for Reebok, the brand was the most successful company to capitalize of the fast-growing aerobics shoe category in the ‘80s with the debut of the Freestyle in 1982. The original model was a high-top with two Velcro straps and glove-leather uppers that were designed for flexibility. The Freestyle became one of Reebok’s best sellers, turning them into one of the most profitable producers of athletic footwear in this decade.
Other footwear highlights that will be on display are the Gucci horsebit loafers, frequently worn by Wall Street executives of the time; John Fluevog’s winklepickers, popular among “Goth” consumers; and Susan Bennis and Warren Edwards’ showstopping “Power” pumps.
“The 1980s was a fascinating decade, where personal style was closely linked to the pursuit of success,” Nishi Bassi, curator and exhibitions manager at Bata Shoe Museum, said in a statement. “This exhibition explores some of the biggest trends and brands of the decade, and how advertising encouraged consumption. Visitors are invited to come to the exhibition to experience joyful nostalgia, but also to think critically about how this decade continues to influence our consumer habits of today.”
Throughout the exhibition’s run, the Bata Shoe Museum said it will host a variety of events tied to the show. Starting in 2024, the museum will launch an ‘80s classic film series along with more ‘80s-inspired workshops, talks and panel discussions.
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