Yes, really! It’s like you don’t know me at all! And of course I had to begin this very fun blog with an introduction to the infamous Imelda, herself. What kind of fan would I be if I didn’t? Well, actually, I’m not really a “fan” fan, but I am a fan of her immaculate shoe collection. You can thank my mother for that – she has called me “Imelda” for years, only waking up the curiosity in me to find out who this person was and why I was the modern-day version of her, according to mother-dearest.
Well, that’s all she wrote. I am thoroughly impressed – not at all offended at the implication that my novice shoe collection (small, in comparison to the great Marcos) could be even closely compared to that of hers. So what mom actually did was awaken a tiny competitive monster within me that wishes to see how many shoes I can collect (within reason, of course).
No, I’m no crazy; I just love love LOVE shoes!
“I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty”
So who is Imelda Marcos?
In short, Imelda R. Marcos is a Filipino politician and widow of 10th Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. She held various positions to the government, and is the first politician elected as member of the Philippine legislature in three geographical locations. So see? There was more to her than her lavish shoe collection. That collection is actually for what she is best known; although she collected art, and jewels, as well. She was considered extravagant; even she, herself, said “They will list my name in the dictionary someday. They will use ‘Imeldific’ to mean ostentatious extravagance.” Of course, you know that is my new word, don’t you?! All-in-all, Imelda Marcos has a full history (I’m going to read her auto/biography this year, just because); however, I can safely sum her up in these words: beauty queen, singer, “Muse of Manila”, politician, First Lady, Governor, Minister, Ambassador, exiled, accused, and proud.
That’s it-a brief history of Imelda Marcos. Enjoy some pictures and quotes:
“I hate ugliness. You know I’m allergic to ugliness.”
“What’s wrong with shoes? I collected them because it was like a symbol of thanksgiving and love?”
“I have no weakness for shoes. I wear very simple shoes which are pump shoes. It is not one of my weaknesses.”
One day I wish to do two things: Visit the museum in Manila which houses all of Imelda’s shoes; and sit down to have a conversation with the shoe goddess, herself!
Now we can get down to my personal collection and have some discussions about all. things. shoes. !!!
