Celebrating Mardi Gras in Style: The Krewe of Muses Decorated Shoe Tradition

Women and shoes go together as well as beignets and New Orleans, and so do the Krewe of Muses and shoes. But who are the Krewe of Muses and what do they have to do with shoes?

The Krewe of Muses are a women’s social group located in Louisiana who center their efforts on philanthropic events year-round. Every event in which they participate is related to a charitable cause. Their vision is to be inclusive of the whole community making their focus all about art and culture. 

The Krewe of Muses organization is fairly new, beginning in 2001. This same year one of their original members, Nicola Wolf, decided to make eight custom heels with modest embellishments for some of her close friends. Over the years the popularity of the fancy, personalized shoes grew, as did the decor. They have transformed into extravagant, decadent stilettos handmade by many of the Muses. 

During Mardi Gras, the Muses have their own float in one of the iconic Carnival parades and instead of beads, they toss out shoes.  On their float, they recognize an annual Honorary Muse, a lady who embodies the attributes and spirit of the nine Muses from Greek Mythology (Zeus’s daughters). She rides on 17-foot shoe at the front of the parade. A donation is also made to the Honorary Muse’s charity of choice. Previous Muses have been celebrities such Solange Knowles and Patricia Clarkson. This year, Jennifer Coolidge was represented by the Muses.

The Krewe of Muses do amazing things and their iconic shoes have now moved from just Mardi Gras to a “Shoes for Charity” outreach as well. This initiative goes year-round. The Muses make and donate custom shoes to charities so that they can raise money through raffles or auctions. These charities are local, such as the NOLA Dogs Race, and national like the American Heart Association.

Today, while they still only make limited numbers of the custom shoes there are a few lucky parade goers that will get to go home with a shoe all to themselves, and some will stop at very little to receive one. A Krewe of Muses shoe is one of the rarest Mardi Gras items to receive.

So, if you leave the parade without one or can’t go to the festival itself, make a Krewe of Muses inspired shoe with your friends! All you have to do is head to Michael’s and grab some bling, glitter, paint, or whatever you want to go on shoe that represents you!

Go grab a cheap stiletto (or any shoe for that matter) at your local thrift store and make your shoe one to remember. There are no limitations when it comes to a Krewe of Muses shoe, just one that makes a statement.

You can check out some shoe designs on the Krewe of Muses website here for inspiration!