Some people collect Precious Moments figurines. Others stockpile
Altoid tins. But building a stash of shoes is much more useful.
Not only are shoes made for walkin', you can decorate your
apartment with them. We got inside the closets of a few local
hoarders who would no more be satisfied to own a few pair
of sensible soles than they would be to live in a place with
no Prada.
YUMI FUJINARI
Age: 22
Occupation: Shoe saleswoman at Zelda's Shoe Bar
Willamette Week : How many pairs of shoes do
you own?
Yumi Fujinari: Just over 200. I have two closets full and
had to buy an extra wardrobe to hold others. Many are in
storage at my parents' house.
Is there a dominant style or theme in your shoe collection?
Hmm. Probably more open-toed shoes. There is a lot of color.
I like slides and sandals. Also, I have a lot of shoes with
a Sabrina or Kitten heel.
What is your most sentimental pair of shoes?
My first pair of Kenneth Coles. They are a pair of flat
Mary Janes and are getting really worn out, but I still
wear them.
Do you remember your most expensive pair of shoes?
Prada pumps, $490.
What is your must-have shoe for spring and
summer?
Shoes with color and texture. And flats, as opposed to
the platforms.
MUNRO ROST
Age: 29
Occupation: Bartender at Scandals; self-proclaimed
Imelda of men's shoes
Willamette Week: How many pairs of shoes
do you own?
Munro Rost: About 25. They are lined up from everyday shoes
to not-so-everyday to once-a-year pairs. And then I have
shoes that I've never worn.
Is there a dominant style or theme in your shoe collection?
I have a lot of black shoes. But I have all kinds and colors--like
canary yellow--and I have platform kimono shoes.
What is your most sentimental pair of shoes?
My square-toe ankle boots. They are the most stylish and
danceable. Not everyone can get away with wearing square-toe
shoes.
What is your most expensive pair of shoes?
$250 MC Buér platforms from Wheels in New York.
What is your must-have shoe for spring and summer?
Something with New York business flair. It is taking over
in fashion. Square toes are where it's at--they give you
power in both the work and the play industry.
SARAH SHAOUL
Age: 32
Occupation: Owner, Retread Threads
Willamette Week: How many pairs of shoes
do you own?
Sarah Shaoul: Probably at least 50.
Is there a dominant style or theme in your shoe collection?
I have all kinds. I have been really into sneakers lately.
I definitely went through my platform phase; I'm not totally
out of it. And I have never really been into fetish shoes
or stilettos, although I have a bunch of sexy heels.
What is your most sentimental pair of shoes?
Red-and-white platforms that belonged to my mother. My
mother was really short, like 5-foot-2. She would wear platforms
to make up for it. I use them as bookends.
Do you remember your most expensive pair of shoes?
I have usually managed to stay under $300. I got the majority
of them for under $30. The most expensive: a pair by Pollini
from Italy for about $300.
What is your must-have shoe for spring and summer?
Anything goes, but I was just in Italy and bought shoes
on my birthday. One pair is like a slide, but open in the
front. Like a flat mule. They are square-toe, and the bottom
reflects. The pointed toe is really huge, too.
BEN TAN
Age: 28
Occupation: Public relations account executive,
Knoll and Company Inc.
Willamette Week: How many pairs of shoes
do you own?
Ben Tan: 22.
Is there a dominant style or theme in your shoe collection?
Whatever is A) cheap, and B) a little different from the
typical guy loafer. I have a lot of square-toe shoes or,
like, clown shoes.
What is your most sentimental pair of shoes?
Right now I am kind of proud of these silver boots I got
from the International Male Catalog online. I got them for
$9.97, so I'm pretty sentimental about them.
Do you remember your most expensive pair of shoes?
Westco Jobmasters 10-inch-high boot for $270.
What is your must-have shoe for spring and summer?
Kenneth Cole has a new shoe with cords instead of laces.
Or shoes with velcro straps. Something instead of laces.
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Willamette Week | originally
published April 12,
2000
|
