Ostrich Feathers, Bird Cages and a Rayne Pop-Up at Brown Thomas

A little lesson in historical style is your newest excuse for a visit to the Brown Thomas Shoe Rooms in Grafton Street.

Brown Thomas is showcasing a collection of Rayne shoes – a company founded by Irishman Henry Rayne in 1885. Rayne dressed the feet of the stylish and leading ladies of the 20th century: Vivien Leigh wore Rayne shoes in Anthony & Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor wore Rayne in Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth wore Rayne pumps on her wedding day.

The shoes are displayed pretty spectacularly in white birdcages adorned with ostrich feathers. The cages were made by Thomas Messel, nephew of Oliver Messel, who designed the original Rayne flagship shop in London’s Old Bond Street. It’s certainly something to see on your next shopping occasion.

Elsewhere Rayne shoes can be found at the V&A archive, the Royal Collections at Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, and the Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto.

The Rayne brand has now been re-launched by French designer Laurence Dacade who is honouring the brand’s legacy whilst reimagining it for a 21st century audience, think floral gold nubuck ankle boots, glitter sandals and Wedgewood rose studded heels. All the shoes have been hand made in Italy and ring in around €600 – €700.

Rayne Shoes are available in the Brown Thomas Dublin store in the Shoe Rooms on Level 1 from 25th of February until 25th of March 2014.