Prince is an icon for many reasons. The genre-slashing icon left an indelible print on music and pop culture, but his impact went even further than that. A new exhibition will pay tribute to the legend's unrivalled personal style, with a specific focus on his outrageous shoe game.
Paisley Park – the musician’s former studio and home in Chanhassen, Minnesota, which has since been turned into a museum – is where the new project will take place. Titled The Beautiful Collection: Prince’s Custom Shoes, the retrospective will feature more than 300 pairs of the musician’s shoes (and roller skates), many of which were custom-made for music videos or live performances.
Some of the highlights include Versace heels designed and gifted by Donatella herself; blue ankle boots hand-painted with white clouds that he wore in the “Raspberry Beret” music video; gem-studded heels from his induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and a blue, green, and gold pair marking his “Purple Rain” performance at the 1985 American Music Awards. The line-up is about as extra as you'd hope — there are no bland sneakers here — for a fashion icon and trailblazer known for his gender-bending costumes.
Alongside the vibrant shoes, the exhibition will also showcase video clips of the late performer and his shoes in action, as well as various recordings from designers that detail just how the footwear came to be created.
"Prince continuously pushed the boundaries of fashion, music, and culture in general,” said Mitch Maguire, Paisley Park Managing Director and The Beautiful Collection Curator, in a statement. “His expansive, incredible shoe collection is just one example of his artistic expression, personality, and lasting impact on fashion. When guests visit this exhibition, they will be immersed in the drama, taste, and complexity of Prince while also revealing some of the collaborators who worked so closely to bring his vision to life.”
The Beautiful Collection: Prince’s Custom Shoes will open on July 9 and close on September 6. Tickets are now available to purchase on Paisley Park’s webstore.
