Shoes

Humans have been wearing shoes for about 40,000 years, but what began as a practical matter of foot protection ultimately evolved into a fashion accessory of the highest order. They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but the same can't be said for shoes, at least in a manner of speaking. For many people, shoes are totems of self- expression providing a window into their taste.

Shoe designers continually riff on basic shapes and classic silhouettes from every conceivable angle in multiple incarnations. They range from men's Hermès espadrilles with leather and raffia soles to Chloé's pumps and flats with scalloped edges rooted in tradition, but reimagined for modern day and evening wear.

But it's not all about new styles born from old. Authenticity-obsessed buyers find auctions brimming with genuine vintage shoes of all kinds including peep-toe slingback pumps from the '40s and '70s Native American-style suede boots trimmed with fringe.

Quick Facts

• Elvis Presley's famed blue suede shoes sold at a December 2013 Julien's auction in Beverly Hills for $75,000
• In 2013, a pair of handmade diamond-studded "Cinderella" fairy-tale pumps created by New Zealand designer Kathryn Wilson sold at a Ronald McDonald House charity auction for $418,450
• In 2005, a pair of evening shoes adorned with a satin rose and crystals worn by actress Regina King to the 2005 Oscars sold at the Celebrity Rags 4 Charity Riches auction for $1 million