DARMAKI, the luxurious footwear couture brand which launched its debut collection this Autumn/Winter 2011, is delighted to announce that Lydia, a principal design, has been acquired by one of the world’s greatest museums for art and design, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), to be housed as part of its permanent collection. This is a significant achievement for the designer, Sultan Al Darmaki.

As well as being featured as part of the V&A's permanent shoe collection, DARMAKI will be collaborating with the V&A on a major forthcoming exhibition on footwear sitting alongside established greats from the history of shoe making such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Manolo Blahnik and Christian Dior.  The exhibition will also house priceless antique shoes from Africa, the Royal Courts of Europe, the Far East, India and Persia amongst other places.  Not only will DARMAKI’s Lydia design be shown in the exhibition, DARMAKI will also be invited to contribute to the workshops, shows and other art and design forum activities structured around this major exhibition.

DARMAKI is the V&A’s first acquisition which originates in terms of design source from the United Arab Emirates. Sultan Al Darmaki states, “It is overwhelming to think that having just launched my first footwear collection, an institution such as the V&A has invited me to carve a place for DARMAKI in fashion history alongside the world’s greatest designers and artists.  Lydia was chosen as a museum worthy showcase piece for the archive because it truly represents the DARMAKI aesthetic of blending superior design, craftsmanship and materials in an original and unconventional style and because the story behind it encapsulates the personality of the woman who wears DARMAKI – elegant, sophisticated and beautiful. Lydia is handcrafted from specially treated gold python leather with nude suede effects and laser cut designs adorned with citrine stones, drawing in various influences to create a truly inspirational shoe.”

For more information about DARMAKI, check out their website www.darmaki.com

Image Credits: The National and DARMAKI 

The Lydia - which will be showcased at the museum
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