Ballerina
The Ballerina is one of the most iconic Rocking Horse styles, distinguished by its signature ankle strap.
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Vivienne Westwood Rocking Horse Shoes
Discover the iconic history of Vivienne Westwood Rocking Horse shoes and explore authentic vintage and rare archive pieces from Japan.
Why Are People Obsessed with Rocking Horse Shoes?
Vivienne Westwood’s Rocking Horse shoes were first introduced in the brand’s collections in the 1980s and have since become one of the house’s most iconic designs, loved by fans around the world.
True to their name, the shoes feature a curved wooden sole inspired by the runners of a traditional rocking horse. Their unmistakable silhouette and distinctive design make them instantly recognizable as Rocking Horse shoes.
As Vivienne Westwood once said, “To worship beauty, shoes must have very high heels and platforms.” Embodying this philosophy, the Rocking Horse has become an enduring icon of the brand. With its bold, innovative design, it remains instantly recognizable as a Vivienne Westwood creation and continues to captivate fans across generations.
Types of Vivienne Westwood Rocking Horse Shoes
Boots
A classic Rocking Horse style available in both long and short silhouettes.
Golf
Featuring traditional tassel detailing, the Golf model is known for its refined, classically inspired appearance.
Sandals
Rocking Horse sandals have appeared in a variety of designs. These include an open-toe style with an ankle strap, also known as the Slave, as well as cross-strap versions without an ankle strap and thong-style designs.
Ghillie
Inspired by traditional Scottish ghillie shoes, this distinctive model combines an open upper with a lace-up design.
Baby
The Baby is a simple pump-style model finished with an ankle strap.
Over the years, Rocking Horse shoes have been produced in a wide range of materials and colours, with new variations introduced from season to season. This diversity has made them highly sought after on the vintage market. Today, they are also valued as collectible pieces, with particularly rare models sometimes commanding high prices.
The Rise of Vivienne Westwood in Japan
Harajuku Fashion in the 1980s and 1990s
Vivienne Westwood established a strong presence in Japan through the Harajuku fashion scene of the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the defining brands of both Lolita and punk fashion. Its distinctive blend of British heritage, rebellious spirit, and avant-garde design resonated deeply with Japanese youth culture.
The NANA Effect
The brand’s popularity grew even further after the release of the 2005 film NANA. The film’s main characters wore iconic Vivienne Westwood pieces—including the Orb Lighter Necklace, the Armor Ring, and the Armor Watch—which quickly became highly sought-after items.
As a result, Vivienne Westwood evolved from a fashion label into an aspirational brand for an entire generation of fans in Japan. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NANA manga series, a limited-edition capsule collection was released in 2025, further highlighting the enduring connection between NANA and Vivienne Westwood.
The Popularity of Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL
Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL was merged into the main Vivienne Westwood collection in the Autumn/Winter 2016 season. However, reflecting the brand’s enduring popularity in Japan, RED LABEL has continued to be produced and sold exclusively for the Japanese market under a licensing agreement.
This makes it one of the few Vivienne Westwood lines to remain unique to Japan today.
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