Eighty-six pairs and counting: Inside Miette Spiess’ vintage shoe collection

“Every single shoe is my prized possession.”

Sydney-based stylist and photographer Miette Spiess uses fashion as her canvas. “I like to paint with clothes,” she says. “It’s more about the colour palettes and the patterns than it is about fashion itself.” 

She’s also a self-confessed hoarder. Despite her aversion to feet, she has a particularly impressive collection of shoes – 86 pairs and counting. Every girl’s dream. Whether they’re for dress-ups, shoots or the odd special event, there are endless occasions that demand the perfect shoe. At least this is how she justifies each new addition to the pile.

For more on slow fashion, head to our Pre-Loved section.

Miette’s footwear obsession began as a young girl, when her dad would take her on op-shopping trips. For her, a pre-loved pair of heels was always the most exciting find. With limited stock and no extra sizes out the back, “when it does work, you know it’s meant to be and you were in the right place at exactly the right time.”

Her collection features mostly vintage and designer items, from ​​2012 Prada platforms to 1970s loafers. To give others access to her treasure trove of rare and one-of-one pieces, she’s started her rental business, She is Benediction, which she calls her “chapel of curation”.

Miette has endless major finds that many of us (myself included) would kill to own. Curious to know more about her repertoire, we asked Miette to share some of her prized possessions.

Fashion Journal: Hi, Miette! Tell us about your impressive shoe collection. Do you actually wear them all?

Miette: Admittedly, I only wear about two to three on the regular. As I have places to be and hours to withstand on these two feet of mine, I need my shoes to last me through the day. But many other special pairs come in clutch for mirror selfies, dress-ups that don’t make it out of home, shoots, and the odd special occasion that I deem worthy of the pain or risk of destroying a vintage shoe. This helps me justify collecting so many, or at least that’s what I tell myself every time I add a new pair to the pile.

Shoes carry memories with us, especially that pair you rarely wear but decided to take out for that one very special moment. It sticks with you, you will always recall and retrace those steps. Your everyday shoes witness the world with you. I think that’s just as special, if not more. It’s also not that deep. I just love buying funky shoes.

Where do you find most of your shoes?

I have worked at Vinnies for three years now, so through my op-shopping addiction and scouring the internet between commutes. I am constantly sourcing. I can never predict when I will find a pair of shoes. It’s one of the most exciting finds in an op shop, as everything has to fall into place. You can find a gorgeous shoe, but it may not fit or, more often than not, crumbles.

But when it does work, you know it’s meant to be and you were in the right place at exactly the right time. Finding a pair of shoes helps me know I’m on the right path, and now I have a new, stylish way of walking through life.

What’s your favourite shoe to style on shoots?

A Miu Miu black leather ballet heel. Classic, sleek, versatile. I bring these to every shoot as they magically fit everyone who’s ever tried them on and are such a classic shoe to pair with every look. They add a feminine, quirky, ballerina doll-esque style.

My second favourite I bought knowing they would only be a styling piece in my collection. The iconic Fall-Winter ’12 Prada platforms. They are mesmerising and every jaw drops when they see them.

Which shoe is the hardest to style?

Nothing is really hard to style. I strongly believe any piece can be styled into a fab look, but usually it comes down to fit. It’s hard to style models in anything below a size 8 shoe. Considering I’m a 7.5, I feel like it’s rarely worth torturing a model in a painful shoe just for a shot.

There are certainly some shoes in my collection I’d love to style more but they just don’t get as much time to shine. In particular, I sourced a pair of early 2000s Miu Miu patent leather peach and black ruffle heels I purchased for $70. They are my perfect size, yet feel like a torture ritual to even sit in.

What’s your favourite shoe to wear?

Vintage Viola Oxford flats, I feel like the grandma I aspire to age into when I wear them. They go with every assortment of socks, especially a gorgeous, funky sock. Niamh Galea’s SS26 collection is my go-to. They pair beautifully with every cut of skirt or pants and for every possible occasion. Just the sweetest shoes. I found them at the Vinnies outlet on Elizabeth Street for four dollars, which makes them that much sweeter. They have been re-heeled once and then glued back together a couple of times now, and I’ll continue to do so.

What about your most-worn shoe?

My 1970s chocolate brown loafers by Raspini. I’ve worn them to literal bits, they’re still hanging on by a thread and I mean that very literally. The original leather trim is crumbling but I’m still walking in them. Every day, I think this may be the last but they remarkably pull through. I am honestly willing to spend whatever it costs fixing them for the rest of my life. I cling to them and cannot let them go, almost like the first true love in a girl’s life.

What’s the most unique shoe you own?

There are a few pairs that come to mind here. Unique things always seem to cross my path, from people to shoes, usually unique people in unique shoes. I found a brandless pair of black heels once, with a completely square flat trim around the toe box. Kind of like a beak, they have a super architectural, almost Lynchian, chunky design, but that’s exactly what drew me to them. Some shoes are super unique because I’ve customised them by gluing on lace or denim. Most of my collection is unique as they are vintage.

Which shoe is your prized possession?

I have two answers for this. The first pair that popped into my head is completely unwearable now: 1960s two-tone brown leather shoes that tore when I got them back from being stretched at the cobbler. I didn’t get enough time with them, but [they’re] a gorgeous little relic of time. We spent one evening together stomping through Newtown doing my favourite things: visiting the cafe I’m a regular at and visiting the Red Cross shop.

But also, the way I see it, every single shoe is my prized possession. They serve as a map for where I’ve been and when luck has struck me. I just did a pop-up at Niamh Galea, and the hardest thing to try and let go of was my shoes. There are some I’m quite pleased didn’t sell because I’m just so happy they remain in my collection and museum of pretty things.

What shoes are currently on your wishlist?

I try not to hunt for super-specific pieces. I believe what is meant for me will find me. It helps when you walk into an op shop and rarely leave empty-handed. I would love more wearable and comfortable options in my collection. A beautiful vintage lace-up boot would be darling for the winter, either a Penny Lane style or something a bit more butch. I look forward to finding luck in unexpected places. My next pair to obsess over will strike me when I least expect it.

Is there any shoe style you’d never be caught wearing?

This is a completely personal and kind of silly choice, as I have seen so many cutesy pairs styled so incredibly, but anything that accentuates toes. Open-toed, individual toes, peep-toe, I’d just rather not wear. I really hate feet and would do anything to not experience feeling so aware of my toes when around others. I really despise even talking about it. I think it’s silly because I hate to limit myself when it comes to style, but comfort and confidence are key when I’m dressing up.

To keep up with Miette, head here.