Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by Sophia Webster. It dates from 2014 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a drawing by Sophia Webster. It shows one of her shoe designs. The work was made in 2014 and is now at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Webster trained in footwear design at Cordwainers College and once worked for Nicholas Kirkwood. Her ‘Riri’ shoe became a hit in 2013. This drawing was made for a V&A show called ‘Shoes: Pleasure and Pain.’
Look up artist: Webster, Sophia.
Overview
This 2014 drawing by Sophia Webster depicts a single high-heeled shoe from her ‘Riri’ collection. Executed in ink and gouache, the image served as the official presentation rendering for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s 2015 exhibition ‘Shoes: Pleasure and Pain.’ The work documents Webster’s design process and was produced specifically for inclusion in the accompanying catalogue.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing portrays Webster’s ‘Riri’ shoe, named after the musician Rihanna. Its defining features, a peep-toe silhouette and a heel encrusted with multicolored beads, reflect the designer’s signature blend of bold aesthetics and wearable construction. The image isolates the shoe against a plain ground, emphasizing form and detail over narrative context.
Technique & Style
Webster employs precise line work and flat gouache washes to render the shoe’s contours and decorative elements. The drawing’s clean, graphic style aligns with professional footwear design conventions, where clarity and accuracy are essential for communicating construction and finish to manufacturers and clients.
History & Provenance
Created in 2014, the drawing was commissioned by the Victoria and Albert Museum for its 2015 exhibition ‘Shoes: Pleasure and Pain.’ Following its use in the catalogue, the work entered the museum’s permanent collection, where it remains as a record of Webster’s early commercial success and design methodology.
Context
Webster trained at Cordwainers College, part of the Royal College of Art, and briefly worked under designer Nicholas Kirkwood before launching her eponymous label in 2013. The ‘Riri’ shoe, introduced that year, helped establish her reputation within London’s fashion industry, positioning her among a new generation of footwear designers.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sophia Grace Webster is a British shoe and accessories designer who launched her eponymous footwear line in September 2012.
