Cinderella’s slipper may be the most iconic melding of glass and footwear, but a new collaboration between Third Degree Glass Factory and St. Louis-based luxury shoe brand Cynthia Richard may give it a run for its money—at least in the StL! The companies are collaborating for an exciting exhibition and Third Friday event at Third Degree Glass, which will feature exclusive wearable works by glass artists inspired by and created for Cynthia Richard shoes.
From glass bead embellishments and accessories to elaborate glass-spun dresses crafted at the turn of the 20th century, there has long been a connection between fashion and the art of glass. That relationship made collaborating with Cynthia Richard a natural fit for the upcoming exhibit, according to Third Degree Glass exhibition director Nicole Dutton. “There’s a long history with glass and fashion, but we wanted to take it up a notch with something more avant-garde,” she explains. “Cynthia Richard’s shoes are fun and funky. They’re not straight-forward or traditional, so it’s a great fit for Third Degree Glass. We can showcase glass work on a larger scale and play with interesting colors and textures.”
The partnership was also an exciting opportunity for Cynthia Richard. “Collaboration has always been part of our creative DNA,” founder Rick Gelber says. “Working with artists from The Third Degree Glass Factory lets us explore new ways to merge craftsmanship and innovation. St. Louis is full of incredible talent, and it’s these connections that keep our brand evolving—grounded in artistry, yet always pushing forward.” Cynthia Richard representatives, including co-founders Katelyn Young Meyer, Megan Perry and Cynthia Gelber, visited Third Degree Glass’s gallery to see how glass could be incorporated into their styles.
The exhibition will involve artists from all three studios at Third Degree Glass—kiln, flame and hot shop. Some will be creating accessories designed specifically for Cynthia Richard shoes, and others will be crafting more avant-garde fashion pieces, such as necklaces. “It’s not just shoe accessories,” Dutton notes. “We’re crafting outfits with several different pieces—it’s like a collection tied together by beautiful glass and stylish Cythina Richard shoes.”
On Nov. 21, visitors at Third Degree Glass will get to the pieces on the runway. The event also will feature a pop-shop where guests can purchase both glass shoes accessories and a variety of Cynthia Richard styles. Following the runway, the pieces will also be included in a seasonal exhibition to kick off the second annual Delmar Maker District Holiday Window Display. The Third Friday event will also include live music, food and drinks, glass demos, and hands-on glass experiences. “It’s going to be a fun, fashionable evening,” Dutton says. “Our goal is to create experiences that make glass art something accessible and enjoyable.”
For more information, visit thirddegreeglassfactory.com.
Photos courtesy of Third Degree Glass Factory
