Mould over dictator’s shoes: Philippines neglects Marcos’ memorabilia

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Published: 24 September, 2012, 17:20

TAGS:
Fashion, Asia, Politics, History

(Reuters / Stringer Philippines)

The most famous shoe collection in the world is on the brink of being lost forever, eaten by termites. The shoes once belonged to Imelda Marcos the wife of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
­The Marcos family left most of their personal possessions when Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown in 1986. For years they were left stored unattended at the Presidential Palace. Clothing and shoes began to suffer from termite damage, humidity and mould.
The Manila National Museum took the items over for safekeeping, however made no effort to prevent the things from further destruction. Tropical rains made a huge hole in the ceiling of the room where the items were stored. The museum staff was shocked to discover the Marcos’ belongings all wet and dirty, local officials told The Associated Press.
Imelda Marcos had an impressive collection of at least 1,220 pairs of expensive brand shoes. It made Imelda notorious as an example of excessive consumption. Imelda claimed most of her shoes were either fake or gifts from local shoemakers.
Museum workers are now struggling to save the least damaged items, however a significant part of the collection is beyond repair.
"There was termite infestation and mould in past years, and these were aggravated by last month's storm," museum curator Orlando Abinion, who is heading the effort, told the AP. "It's unfortunate because Imelda may have worn some of these clothes in major official events and as such have an important place in our history," he said.