From palaces to catwalks - the traditional felt boot is celebrated
186 views · Published 21 November 2018 · 5:23 · Indexed 10 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(16 Nov 2018) LEADIN: As freezing temperatures start to set in, Russians are rediscovering an old winter staple: traditional felt boots called Valenki. The footwear is prized for its ability to endure frosty conditions and is now the subject of an exhibition looking at its history and how it became cutting-edge fashion. STORYLINE: These boots are made for walking... Valenki is traditional winter footwear in Russia, famed for enduring frosty conditions and a dry winter, which is typical for most of Russia. The prized boots are now being featured in an exhibition in Moscow called "Valenki - from Tsars's Palaces to Catwalk Fashion Shows." More than 20 museums, art galleries, and private collectors are taking part in the exhibition. Valenki are high boots made from dried sheep wool. For centuries Valenki were the most popular winter footwear in Russia worn by people of different hierarchy. However they went out of fashion in the 1950s when Russians got a wider access to warm, Western-style footwear. These days, Russians still wear valenki on trips in the countryside, but occasionally a pair of "designer Valenki" can be spotted on the street on a cold day in Moscow. They are still included in the standard gear supply for the Russian military and law enforcement. According to historians, Valenki are based on footwear worn by Nomands, dating back more than a thousand years. But today Valenki have become the inspiration for many designers, who are trying to give Valenki a more sophisticated look. Art group Tuman designers see them as an art object and are showcasing felt boots inspired by Picasso, Malevich, Degas and Matisse. Designer Alexander Pilin considers Valenki a modern footwear that can be incorporated into a pret-a-porter collections. The exhibition is also showcasing a unique collection of felt boots worn by famous people, like opera singer Feodor Shalyapin. The boots that Shalyapin wore when he performed Alexander Serov's opera "Power of the Fiend" are also on the display. Visitors can go through the process of creationing Valenki from carding the wool to making modern ornaments. Artifacts, like a 12th-century wool carding machine discovered during archaeological works, offer a unique glance at how Valenki were made centuries ago. Curators of the exhibition are confident that as freezing temperatures set in, Russians will find it interesting to rediscover the old winter staple - traditional Valneki. ==== Clients are reminded: (i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: [email protected]. (ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service (iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/20313dcb9e587d1ae4ffe41adea1be2a
