The Bata Shoe Museum’s Latest Show Honours Perugia’s Visionary Career
A glimpse into the opening night of André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled.
Last Wednesday, the Bata Shoe Museum threw a celebration to mark the opening of "André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled,” a captivating new exhibition honouring the French master shoemaker whose innovative spirit changed luxury footwear forever. The event was a veritable fête, sprawling across three floors of the museum, where guests were greeted with the kind of spectacle that matches Perugia’s daring aesthetic.
Over the exhibition’s 18-month run, there will be over 95 pieces dating from the 1920s to the 1960s on display. The show traces Perugia’s extraordinary career—from his first boutique in Nice to collaborations with powerhouses like Dior, Schiaparelli and Chanel, as well as his celebrity clientele. Visitors can discover his groundbreaking contributions to the world of fashion, including the development of the articulated sole and the iconic stiletto heel.
“André Perugia was a true visionary whose architectural approach to shoe design set new standards in the industry,” says Nishi Bassi, Curator and Manager of Exhibitions at the Bata Shoe Museum. “It has been an exciting journey to explore and illuminate the work of this extremely underappreciated designer, one of the greatest footwear creators in Western fashion history.”
Beyond the stunning shoes, the exhibit showcases original sketches, photographs and archival materials that memorialize Perugia’s inventive approach, blending fashion with architecture and art. His work dares to challenge conventions, using unexpected materials and sculptural shapes that continue to inspire designers today.
On the exhibition’s opening night, attendees were treated to an exclusive first look at the exhibition. Dressed in their finest French masquerade-themed ensembles, guests had the opportunity to have their portraits illustrated by artist Nessa Lilly—a keepsake to remember their looks by.
With catering by Frenchy Bar et Brasserie and performances by the Royal Conservatory of Music, the evening was both a stylish homage and a celebration of a true design pioneer.
Click through the gallery below to see what you missed.
Photography by George Pimentel
“André Perugia: A Design Legend Unveiled” is now open to the public at the Bata Shoe Museum. The exhibition runs until April 2027. Get your tickets here.