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Walking Tour - Strutting Down the Kings Road (9 October)
One-day course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
From high fashion to street style, the King’s Road played a key part in London’s design history. Come and find out more, with a particular focus on shoes and footwear.
Between the 1950s and the 1990s the King’s Road was a key part of London’s fashion scene. This walk tells the story of fashion through shoes and footwear, from the Chelsea boot to the punk stiletto and the glam rock platform sole. We’ll hear about some of the key designers such as Mary Quant, Manolo Blahnik and Vivienne Westwood. We’ll talk about their celebrity customers such as the Beatles and David Bowie, and the ways in which fashion overlapped with popular music. We’ll also think about how wider social changes and the introduction of new materials like plastics influenced shoe design.
Between the 1950s and the 1990s the King’s Road was a key part of London’s fashion scene. This walk tells the story of fashion through shoes and footwear, from the Chelsea boot to the punk stiletto and the glam rock platform sole. We’ll hear about some of the key designers such as Mary Quant, Manolo Blahnik and Vivienne Westwood. We’ll talk about their celebrity customers such as the Beatles and David Bowie, and the ways in which fashion overlapped with popular music. We’ll also think about how wider social changes and the introduction of new materials like plastics influenced shoe design.
Alongside Saville Row and Carnaby Street, the King’s Road was a central part of 1960s Swinging London, and its influence continued long after that decade. This is a story of how one small area had a massive impact on fashion and footwear trends more widely.
This walk complements the V&A Academy's London course series London: The Global City 1066 to 2020.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that this tour is fully accessible; there will be curbs, narrow and uneven pavements on this tour.
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
This walk complements the V&A Academy's London course series London: The Global City 1066 to 2020.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that this tour is fully accessible; there will be curbs, narrow and uneven pavements on this tour.
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
V&A Academy Course Leader
Dr Zoë Hendon
Dr Zoë Hendon teaches History of Design at Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education. She is interested in the design of everyday domestic spaces, and in consumer choices in domestic furnishings and fashion. Her other interests include the history of London and the potential for exploring it on foot.
Walking tours are excellent, a great way to learn - seeing and absorbing knowledge whilst walking and interacting with fellow learners Previous Walking tour attendee
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 24th June 2026. General Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 8th July 2026
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Enrol now
One-day course: Walking Tour - Strutting Down the Kings Road (9 October)
9 October 2026
£70.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
