Joy,

                         a pair of shoes from my Klimt series, a captivating collection inspired by the portraits of elegantly adorned Austrian women by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918). While the series primarily draws inspiration from these portraits, this particular pair pays tribute to a segment of Klimt's monumental frieze titled 'Ode to Joy.' This frieze was inspired by Richard Wagner's interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, a composition that exalts humanity's pursuit of profound joy and represents the harmonious amalgamation of all artistic expressions.

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These shoes serve as my personal interpretation of the opulence found in the intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and lavish gilding depicted in Klimt's painting. The shoe's design takes inspiration from the exquisite creations of Pietro Yantorny (1874-1936), an esteemed Italian shoemaker renowned as the "most expensive shoemaker in the world." Yantorny exclusively crafted shoes for the most affluent women of his time, and it is his exceptional craftsmanship that serves as the foundation for the shoe's shape.

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Embracing the essence of Klimt's 'Ode to Joy' frieze, the shoes radiate an aura of grandeur and magnificence. Elaborate patterns intertwine, their richness mirrored in the captivating colours that adorn the shoes. Each element of the shoes, from the intricate patterning to the vibrant hues and luxurious gilding, embodies the spirit of artistic unity and the resplendent celebration of joy.