KCIDigital Archives

The KCI Digital Archives on the KCI website presents image and text information for the objects in the collection, arranged in chronological order.

Sandals "Barefoot in the Grass"

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Masayuki Hayashi

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Sandals "Barefoot in the Grass"

c. 1968

Designer
Beth Levine
Brand
Herbert Levine
Label
none
Material
Astroturf; clear vinyl; rubber sole.
Inventory Number(s)
AC9104 94-7-6AB

Surreal and pop sandals. Through the upper made of transparent vinyl you can see the sole covered with artificial grass, and you can imagine at a glance how your feet would feel in this footwear. The synthetic materials which were popular in the 1960s stimulated human bodies optically and haptically with their artificial new textures.
Beth and Herbert Levine established Herbert Levine in the U.S.A. in 1958. Their innovative designs brought a fresh sensitivity to shoe design by boldly using synthetic materials such as loafers made of transparent vinyl and boots of stretch materials.

1960s