WHAT? NO WOODEN CLOGS...

Imelda was so excited this morning I almost started talking in tongues! I was at the local church hall for my weekly liturgical dance class and was dancing for salvation when Immaculata (our movement instructor) genuflected too low and took a nasty looking tumble off the stage. Fortunately, a strategically placed baptismal font broke her fall, leaving her with a bruised ego and a soaked smock.

I’d be a liar-mouth if I said she didn’t have it coming, her righteous moves matched her stinking righteous attitude. Imelda should have been asked to choreograph the liturgical movement for All Saints Day - I’ve been taking ‘Jazz Ballet for Jesus’ for years - but I digress!

With the other ladies fussing I flicked the cassette player to radio and the Britney Aguillera song “What a girl wants” came pumping through the wireless and filled the hall. It got me thinking about want my Imeldettes would like in today’s post - and then I remembered Jelske Peterson.

The Dutch born designer was bought to the attention of The Despot after I saw Antoine Peters show at Amsterdam International Fashion Week. Jelske had collaborated with Antoine and designed some of the most beautifully proportioned footwear I’ve ever seen. Big open collars, clever strap detailing, colour blocking and contrasting inlays - and all before she graduated from Amsterdam’s ARTEZ SCHOOL OF ARTS.

We’d been in contact the day she graduated from design school but she wasn’t ready to debut her collection to the hungry masses. The Despot is more than a little impatient so I moved on to the next post, book marked her website and made a mental note (for a women of 79 this not wise) to follow up.

Racing home from the hall (I left Yum Yum to tidy up), I took a cursory glance at Jelske’s career defining debut collection and my despotic eye predicts a bright future.

Bordering on anime, the proportions of her stub-toe last are brilliantly balanced by sweeping throat lines that draw attention and celebrate parts of the foot normally covered. The two toned concave heel discombobulates the laws of proportion by creating the illusion of a stiletto heel. Any reference to the late 40’s work of André Perugia is obliterated by looking at the silhouette in profile, the proportions are stabilized by a ‘not quite’ demi wedge heel calling to mind early 90’s Westwood.

Now graduated, there is talk of her opening her first retail store in Amsterdam’s old red light district (coincidently, Susie Bubble posted something about new designers moving into the area). For the time being, should you be in Amsterdam picking up something medicinal for mummy Imelda, swing by and take a bow peep at the collection in its entirety and you’ll be guaranteed your own religious experience!

Comments

[Skye]

What, no pole fitness class in your neighbourhood?

Those chunky little pumps are absolutely adorably scrumptious!

[Enkha X]

Hello Imelda Matt, darling! I adore your comments, they bring a wee smile to my face, gorgeous!!! xx

By the way, love the shoes, a little surreal ... lerv them!!!

[Imelda Matt]

Skye- Imelda's a good god fearing despot...the pole dancing happens in private!

Enkha - it's my pleasure to make you smile..xxxx

[Sharon rose]

Wow what awesome shoes-she certainly is very talented and creative!!

[willykean]

I love the way you introduce this designer.I first keep wondering what was the connection between church and our Shoes Queen, then you strike with the name and the first shoe....

Wonderful!!!!

[lady coveted]

i'm so envious that the dutch can design anything and it's automatically amazing. stupid dutch.
;)

[Imelda Matt]

SR - big things!!!

Willy - LOL...It's all about delivery!

LC - Damn Dutch, if it's not pot and clogs it's superior design!

[a dreamer]

..pure sex. I love that the heel tricks the eye into seeing a stilleto.

I must say that the flouncy dress is reminding me of cosplay...

[Sheri]

Oh I think me very much wanty. Can you even walk in those? Would they classify as lab safe? I think I could make them work :D

[Jillian]

What a feast for the eyes! UGH

and that one navy/brown/cream heel with it's curves ugh how wonderful!
<3 i'm in love!!!! *drool*

I need to see if le boyfriend will take me shoe shopping!

[Danielle de la Mont]

I adore this collection! I love the illusions, the boldness, the chunkiness! *desperately wants*

[fashion chalet]

OMG. Those "high chair" heels. LOL. They're so funny yet cute in an odd like way. ;)

Thanks for your comments. It's OK I know how busy things can get at times. I know when I start working again, it'll be all kinds of hectic to do my job, keep the house clean, cook and manage this blog. So, I totally understand where you are coming from. I just appreciate the time you take to check it out and comment anyhow. :)

PS: The Dog Whisperer is great!! ;)

[Sal]

SWOOOON. You've turned me onto some amazing collections, my dear, but this is by far my favorite. Big, round toes and chunky heels, vibrant colors and sculptural detailing. Eeee! I'm booking passage to Amsterdam this minute.

P.S. Thank you for the constant stream of grin-producing comments. I am having a tough week, but you're helping make it less so.

[enc]

My favorite aspect of this collection is all the unexpected details you pointed out. I loved the missing part of the shoe on the white "wedge." That is so clever. And I'd have been satisfied with just that shoe being clever, but they ALL are.

[Sister Wolf]

These shoes, and the model, make me feel a touch lesbitious! Would they look cute with my new cane, is the question.

[The Seeker]

Clever shoes, smart booties... OMG I'm so confused, I didn't learn so much English to understand all of this LOL LOL
But I love love your writing, I guess I'll give you a diamond for that LOL
MG how can one walks in such high heels despite they're beautiful...

Yes hun, I am away from the factory too much time... (start feeling depressed) and I can't find the oxfords I want.

Lovexxxxxxxxxxx

[Miss Glitzy]

Thanks for the discovery, surely a Miss I have to meet during my next trip in Amsterdam.

[cybill]

Sometimes I just detest these young, clever, talented people, probably wont stop me buying her shoes though.

[fashionherald]

Ha, ha, liturgical dance! the sacrilege! But you would be dancing up a storm and bringing down some major holy spirit in those gorgeous shoes, yes? Immaculata will be green w/envy!

[kirafashion]

I love those designs, i actually could wear some of them!!! fantastic!!!
I can imagine how daring must be to criate shoes, it must be more harder than clothes, for sure...don´t you think?

a kiss!!!

[Imelda Matt]

dreamer - to be honest I didn't notice the dress!

Sheri - Put a customized rubber sole of anything and it's lab safe! But considering your a wee accident prone I'd suggest no running for the train.

Jill - all the way to Amsterdam...?

D - then you must buy at least once piece and consider it an investment.

FC - you're so cute!

Sal - Then I need to step my game and bust out the stomach splitting comments.

enc - or the unexpected parts I did point out.

SW - How effing hot is she, I'd even consider bush for this babe. It's her tattoo that has be rev'd up! These are more zimmer frame than cane!

Seeker - YOU could walk in these no problems. What type are you looking for?

MG - I'd book her in ASAP.

Cybill - it's the effing Dutch...why are they so smart and stylish and impossible cool!

FH - YES!!!

Kira - yes it's a lot a harder and more expensive developing shoes that it is developing clothes.

[trend de la creme]

Adorable! My ankles hurt just looking at them ;P

P.S. Am I supposed to believe that you were at the local church hall for your weekly liturgical dance class? Admit it! You were at the bath house having a sugar scrub with lemon cake for dessert!

[Imelda Matt]

Trend - What, 'jazz hands for jesus' isn't believable?

[The Steel Crew]

Her models are definitely flexible, wouldn't you say, Imelda?

[ray]

god this post is so cool !!! the pictures look like they're from terry richardson

[K-Line]

Now these are some shoes I can get with. Gorgeous delicious.

[secretista]

What's The Despot? :[

[PorcelainBlonde]

The two tone black/white pumps are divine and the photos are beautiful.

And your writing..."a strategically placed baptismal font "...despotic genius!

[Rachel]

Oh my gosh they are amazing, hot colours, sexy shapes and the models looks darn hot in them all to. I think I NEEEEEEEEEEEED a pair or two :)

[susie_bubble]

Please stop blinding my eyes with these shoe finds... Susie needs to rest them a little...

[super kawaii mama]

This is the girl I need on my speed dial! Send Yum Yum off to pick up mine immédiatement, I'll even rub your calves in her absence.

[Jelske Peterson]

Hey People!!! Thanks for all your fantastic responses! Makes me proud :)
You'll need to come check out my little shop in amsterdam, coffee's ready!!

[dutch hendrikje]

She is indeed a remarkable, talented woman and gifted with a lovely personality as well! Wish her a bright future in Amsterdam!

[Imelda Matt]

Jelske - Imelda will pass on the coffee but I'll take one of those hash cookies...:)

dutch - You'll get no arguments from The Despot!

[Jelske Peterson]

Hi Imelda!
If you come to vist my shop, make sure you let me know in time, then i will bake those cookies myself :)
LOL

[Shoes Mend Hearts]

oohhh great idea for a store location, i stayed in the red light district in amsterdam while i was travelling, it was very entertaining and a shoe shop would work SO well

[Florian Wolff]

Jelske Peterson rocks!
And so do her shoes. Hope she's gonna start a men's collection as well.