Casgliadau Arlein

Pair of shoes worn by drag queen Marcia Bassey Jones. Marcia was a mainstay on the Cardiff drag scene from the mid-1980s performing in venues such as the Tunnel, Wow and Minsky’s.

Very tall, high-heeled peep-toe platform pumps (advertised as 'exotic or pole dancing shoes') made from transparent plastic (PVC). The clear plastic strap that goes across the vamp is decorated with a stitched-on silver tape studded with a double-row of rhinestone elements. Clear plastic ankle strap with metal buckle fastening. Some areas are reinforced with a double-layer of clear plastic which has been machine stitched in place using white thread. Chrome heel with circular black plastic heel cap. Heel is screwed into the sole of the shoe. A ring of rhinestone elements is set into the top of the heel. Padded insole of grey faux suede with name of retailer stamped to heel area in gold. Black ribbed sole. Clear adhesive label with gold print on sole of left shoe.

Model: 'Allure 608R' (as per adhesive label attached to sole of left shoe) At the time of writing (2024) this shoe retailed for £60.