video transcript

They don't have to be made for walking to make it on a true fashionista's wish list. And who wouldn't go shoe-crazy, if for once you could step into Carrie Bradshaw's Manolo Blahniks. But if you don't have the necessary cash at hand, at least you can now look at a fine pair up close ... and dream. New York's Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has a special exhibition running, showcasing a collection of some of the world's most fancy footwear. Curated by museum director Valerie Steele, "Shoe Obsession" features everything from sky-high stilettos, towering platform shoes sans heels to outlandish examples sporting a ponytail of human hair. SOUNDBITE: Valerie Steele, Director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, saying (English): "High heels are probably the prime sartorial symbol of femininity. And so they have a particular importance for women. Women are also, I think, very attracted to the way shoes can inject a lot of fashion into the wardrobe." The extravagant footgear collection features some 150 designs, including examples by Christian Louboutin, Alexander Wang and Prada. And for a real fashion lovers day out the exhibition happens to open on the first day of New York Fashion Week.