Shoes Have Names

Jo Cope and Shelter come together at Boutique by Shelter in a truly unique collaboration at Coal Drops Yard, for London Craft Week 2020.

During the week, this exhibition and retail space celebrates the positive change Shelter has helped make to people struggling with bad housing through their advice and support services. A diverse range of highly skilled shoe designers/artists were invited to work with individuals who faced homelessness to understand their story and their future hopes after working with Shelter. The resulting shoes represent the 'positive steps forward' made by individuals and families.

The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the thousands of people tackling evictions, poor housing conditions, landlord issues and homelessness. But Shelter gives hope. With the right support and by working together, people can fight bad housing and make a positive change.

Every shoe tells a story

Each shoe artwork or pair of shoes created by the designers will be named after the individual who's case study they have been paired with, who have been supported by Shelter. The designers have been asked to create a unique design in red which reflects the housing emergency many individuals are facing.

Shoes traditionally have names to positively identify their individual styles. To own or put on a special pair of shoes is also symbolic of 'Having somewhere to go', while shoes also offer practical protection comfort as should the home.

‘I believe fashion can play a positive role in society, this project uses shoes to bringing together a community of designers with people who have faced homelessness and celebrate the amazing work by Shelter ‘ Jo Cope

'This is truly a unique project which shows how fashion and art can be used to amplify Shelter's important messages. I'm particularly excited about the innovative way in which we are using our Charity Boutique space and how this collaboration showcases the power and importance that Shelter Charity Shop's have in shouting about Shelter's work.' Hattie Lamb

Designers: Kobi Levi, Kristina Walsh, Dr Ellen Sampson, Liz Ciokajlo, Jana Zornik, Tabitha Ringwood, Daniel Charkow, Jackie Leggett, Elisabeth Thorsen and Caroline Groves

Exhibition curated by Jo Cope in collaboration with Shelter at Boutique by Shelter

Boutique by Shelter is situated in Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross and managed by project collaborator Hattie Lamb.

Read more about the project and the designers on our blog  <a href="http://www.shoeshavenames.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-extlink="">www.shoeshavenames.com</a>