Saturday, May 24, 2008

Sole Searching

Okay, Mate, Just Come Straight To The Point

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This week's theme is shoes, so I was wondering if I should post shots of cowboy boots, or soccer boots, or cricket boots, or even a pair of flippers by the pool. Just something unusual. Maybe even a pair of R. M. Williams boots, the quintessential Outback footwear.

Then, while I mulled over the many possibilities, I remembered these shots I took during a 36-hour stopover in Singapore in December.

I was walking through an area popularly known as Little India. The sights and sounds and aromas reminded me instantly of India, the country where I was born and educated. I could hear Bollywood film music, I could smell Indian spices and I could see the brilliant, bright colours of Indian sweets.

Then I spotted this display of ceremonial sandals, called "mojaris". They are very popular in the Punjab, in the country's north. As a child, I would probably not have given them a second glance, because they were such an everyday sight.
But when I have a camera in my hands, nothing is commonplace. So I asked the shopkeeper's permission and I was delighted by the fact that he seemed amazed that anyone would want to photograph footwear.

No, I didn't feel like a heel!

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Without the pointy bit, I'd say they were very attractive shoes!

CJ xx

Tess Kincaid said...

This reminds me of the time back in 1980 when we saw a sweet, freightened little couple in LAX wearing these same style pointy shoes. It was obviously their first time so far away from home.

Jo Beaufoix said...

Those are very cute. Fabulous shots David.

Diva's Thoughts said...

Very nice pics! The shoes are pretty (except for the point. lol)

Sandy Kessler said...

I learned so much from this post -Always admired these pointedly beautiful shoes.

Sandy Kessler said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
polona said...

these shoes look beautiful.
i wouldn't wear them, though :)

have enjoyed browsing through your blog... amusing stuff and great photos.

Susan Demeter said...

I would definitely wear them! They are gorgeous :)

Happy photo hunting!

Colin Campbell said...

Very nice. Perfect for kids dress ups. I used to live just off Serangoon Road when I was first working in Singapore. Every Sunday night thousands of Indian foreign workers, who build all the infrastructure in Singapore congregated there. It was like being transformed into a different country.

I really liked that part of town and was glad that I had spent time there before moving on to more traditional expat locations along the East Coast.

Corey~living and loving said...

pretty. and sparkly.....and shiny.
thanks for sharing them with us.
have a great weekend David.

Gone Back South said...

I don't give my feet enough respect. Those shoes just ooze love for the feet they're on.

Sarge Charlie said...

G'day mate, those are some fancy shoes

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

Great idea! These are interesting shoes. I'm not surprised they grabbed your attention.

Anonymous said...

Wow, beautiful shoes!! Looks a bit dangerous, although they are probably soft.

Betsy Brock said...

The only time I've ever seen anything like these was in a storybook when I was young...on a magical gene who popped out of a lamp! :)

Rachel said...

The colors and detailing are beautiful, although I keep singing "The Lollipop Guild" theme song in my head.

i love that my verification is wearj

kimmy said...

Love 'em! But, then again, I love all shoes!

Kimmy

Jennifer S said...

Those shoes are art. My daughter would go nuts over them. Great photos.

Cath said...

Great shots and beautiful shoes. Proper craftsmanship in them.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shoes. I don't know how they are for comfort of=n the feet but they are a comfort to the eye.

RiverPoet said...

Did the shoemaker make you toe the line? Or did he make you get right to the point?

;-)

Gorgeous shots, as always. - D

QueenofPlanetHotflash said...

They are beautiful but just looking at them make my feet hurt. They remind me of Bing Crosby & Bob Hope films :)
Thanks for visiting my blog!

Unknown said...

Those shoes do not look comfy at all but they sure are pretty!

Sandi McBride said...

In case you didn't know, I have a thing for shoes...I love shoes...I have a closet full of shoes that while I am no longer able to wear the 4 inch heels and the soft leather wedges, I refuse to be rid of them...these shoes are too wonderfully beautiful to be real...I want them...
Sandi

Carver said...

Those are beautiful and I like the way the sequence started with a detail and ended with the full shoes. Great for the theme.

SASSY MOM said...

Those are really nice photos. Exotic shoes, really represents the country's culture.

Happy weekend!

Anonymous said...

Now those are shoes worthy of a shot. Well done as usual david! Fun travels...

Napaboaniya.Elaine Ling said...

These remind me of Aladdin shoes :) Pretty designs but I'm wondering if I could survive with those on my feet for more than 5 minutes :P

Do visit my other 'Shoes' at APAD if you're free :)

Randi said...

Gorgeous pictures of beautiful shoes!
Happy weekend.

Indrani said...

I came to see what u would put up for shoes... I was sure it will have Indian reference and I was very happily right. :)
I like reading these Indian touches in your posts, which you do in most of them. Mine are Jootis.

eastcoastlife said...

Wow! They are beautiful shoes! I'm going to look for them when I go to Little India. :)

ancient one said...

I kinda' like 'em! I'd feel like a very fancy elf. Your comments are funny!

bonggamom said...

What beautiful works of art. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Those are really good pics! Well done for this week's PhotoHunt theme. :)

Anonymous said...

They don't look particularly comfortable but they sure are pretty.

Bengbeng said...

those r beautiful shoes.even with the sharp points n ends :)

Natalie said...

Those are very fancy!

jmb said...

Well I'm glad you went with these and not your other possibilities. They are beautiful and interesting too.

Anonymous said...

Those are very fancy shoes!

Maggie May said...

Very pretty, but the point would put me off!
Lovely photos.

Anonymous said...

Those shoes look lovely, expect for that pointed part that looks a little dangerous :)

Have a great weekend, David.

Snap Catch said...

nice one for today's theme... the movie Sx and the City changed New York to New Yorks--- become a big shoe store now... LOL!

oceanskies79 said...

Beautiful photos of the shoes. :)

What else did you see at Little India, Singapore? I have written a post on Little India a few years ago:
The Colourful Little India. Hope it brings you some lovely memories.

Mec said...

wonderful detailing :)

and wonderfully taken photos :)

anyway, i posted baby shoes

Barb said...

How delightful! They remind me of some fancy slippers I use to have as a young girl to wear with my silky pajamas. I felt quite elegant and comfy!

Rhea said...

I've never been to Singapore. How cool. Those shoes are so unique! I love the way they look. Thanks for sharing!

TopChamp said...

I like the pointy bits - they're beautiful pictures.

marcia@joyismygoal said...

oooohh I see your point exactly you love the finer things don't you?

Lee said...

Those look like fun to wear. Are they strictly for women? Is there a man's version? I wonder if the pointy part gets in the way of anything, like the hem of a pair of pants maybe or just walking about.

Gotta go looking to see if they can be found in the states.

Cheers!

Sugarplum's Mom said...

Beautiful

Unknown said...

Great shots and very fancy shoes!

YellowRose said...

THose are absolutely beautiful! Though not something I would be able to get away with wearing here in Texas! ;)

Great photos, as always!! Happy Weekend!

 gmirage said...

They are sweet and cute when you were with a Sari and go belly dancing! =D Great shot btw. Happy weekend!

 gmirage said...

I meant when they are *worn together with a Sari...=d

Unknown said...

What stunning shots!!

storyteller said...

Those are lovely shoes, but I’d never wear them because they’re too fancy. I go for comfort always … and just so you know … it’s never too cold for sandals!!! Mine’s up at Small Reflections.
Hugs and blessings,

Diane said...

These are "simply" gorgeous! Never mind that I am a shoe fanatic!

Heart of Rachel said...

Those are very pretty. I love the elaborate design.

SabineM said...

lovely shots! Too pointy for me! ;-)

SnoopyTheGoon said...

Yes, David, you always spring a surprise. And a set of awesome shots too.

Have a great week.

-tnchick- said...

Nice - great detail on them.

Anonymous said...
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