An exhibition of pioneering shoe designer Kisa Takada is currently being held at the Kobe Fashion Museum

May 7, 2013

In the 1970s, the job of "shoe designer" was not yet widely recognized in Japan. Kisa Takada founded her own brand, "KISSA," and was credited with introducing the concept of design to women's shoes in Japan. Since then, she has become a pioneering shoe designer. Even after her death in 2006, her casual shoes for adults, which combine functional beauty with playfulness, continue to be popular with many fans. From fantastical pumps and colorful "pokkuri" shoes, to biker boots designed for riding her beloved motorcycle, to beach sandals for spending time at the beach, to mannish shoes that evoke memories of her father's shoes... The "Kisa Takada The Shoes Exhibition," running until July 2nd at the Kobe Fashion Museum, showcases her creative journey and diverse lifestyle through a vast collection of donated works, design drawings, photographs, and videos. Creative director Kazuko Koike and stylist Yumiko Hara also attended the opening talk event. Related events include gallery talks (May 18th and June 15th) and a workshop (June 2nd).

In addition, with the cooperation of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the "Arnold Skurge - American Haute Couture Designer" exhibition, showcasing the haute couture designer whose clients include former first ladies and Hollywood actresses, is also being held at the same time. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the world of American couture, which is different from that of Europe.

[Event Information]
Takada Kisa - The Shoes Exhibition
Venue: Kobe Fashion Museum
Address: 2-9-1 Mukaiyama-cho, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Dates: Until July 2nd
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (last entry 17:30)
Closed: Wednesdays
Admission Fee: 500 yen
岡本恵美
  • Spring/Summer 1970 Pokkuri with Stars and Moon
  • 1971 Created for Kansai Yamamoto's show "Kansai in London"
  • Fall/Winter 1972 Monk straps with ruffle-like tassels
  • Produced for Diana Shoe Store posters in Spring/Summer 1973
  • 1974 Sandals with flowers blooming on the counter
  • Spring/Summer 1985: Nylon and leather summer rider boots
  • 1987 Autumn/Winter: All-rubber canvas shoes with poppy flowers
  • 1990 Lizard Tassel Moccasins
  • Spring/Summer 1994: Canvas shoes that let you become a ballerina by the sea
  • Fall/Winter 2002: A girl's dream rubber-soled boots
  • 1997 New shoes lined up in the studio
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