Kinky Boots comes to Milan

What has one of the most successful Broadway musicals got in common with a footwear exhibition such as MICAM Milano? A passion for shoes, or rather boots, the determination to relaunch the company, even with an “alternative” collection, and the importance of not getting demoralised in the face of difficulties.

The stage show, in fact, tells the story of the strange friendship between young Charlie Price and drag queen Lola, whose cabaret performances become the inspiration for a collection of sexy women’s boots, thanks to which the young shoe manufacturer is able to crown his dream of going to Milan, where the footwear exhibition is held. The musical, which made its London debut in 2015, will be on in Milan from 30 November to 6 January at the Teatro Nuovo.
MICAM Milano leapt at the opportunity to offer its exhibitors and visitors a preview of the show on the opening day of the event, 16 September, in the stunning Fashion Square, right in the vibrant heart of the venue. With music by Cyndi Lauper and direction by Claudio Insegno, the musical transports spectators from the cramped space of the factory floor to Milan’s glamorous catwalks, to show how in an industry that is as fascinating and as attractive to the young as ours it is possible to reinvent oneself.

“In an edition dedicated to Envy (after the other sins of the Divine Comedy protagonists of the previous editions, ed.) – explains Annarita Pilotti, Chair of Assocalzaturifici and MICAM Milano – we have chosen to turn the spotlight on characters who have managed to free themselves of this sentiment, who have matured and found their own identity, transcending social stereotypes, family ties and the constrictions of the past”.

MICAM Milano brings Kinky Boots in the city of Milan as well, with booths set up in Piazza San Babila, Via Torino, Piazzale Cadorna, Largo La Foppa and Piazza XXIV Maggio: the three outside walls of the booths will be covered in pictures of the stars of the musical with their faces cut out, so that the public can have fun taking photos or cheeky selfies of themselves. Then on 21 September, during fashion week, there will be a flash mob with the Drag Queens led by Lola.

Finally, MICAM Milano will be offering 50 GOLDEN TICKETS for two people for the VIP evening on 4 December at Milan’s Teatro Nuovo. To take part in the draw, all you have to do is buy the September issue of Accessory Vogue Vanity Fair, (media partner of the event).
(Rules on www.themicam.com).

Some photos from Kinky Boots show reel at MICAM86.