Imelda Marcos

Former first lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos was renowned for her extravagant lifestyle - and nothing represented this more than her collection of around 3,000 pairs of shoes.

While most women can only dream of having a wardrobe full of shoes, she amassed the collection between 1965 and 1986 – meaning that on average, she bought 142 pairs of shoes every year.

According to research, the average woman in the UK owns around 20 pairs of shoes but wears only five pairs regularly. The poll of 2,352 women aged over 18 (undertaken by Voucher Codes Pro) also showed that 86% of women had at least one pair of shoes that they had never worn at all.

If this seems extravagant, consider how many shoes must have gone unworn with 3,000 pairs stashed in the Marcos closet! There were so many shoes left behind when she eventually fled Malacanang Palace, that they have been put on display in their own museum.

Early life

Marcos was born Imelda Romualdez in Manila in 1929. She became interested in politics in her youth, studying for her Bachelor of Science in Education degree at St Paul's College, which later became known as the Divine Word University in Papua New Guinea.

However, on graduating, she returned to the Philippines to pursue a career as a beauty queen and singer, winning the title of Miss Manila in 1953. She was also the cover girl on the Valentine's edition of This Week Magazine on 15th February 1953.

The following year, on 6th April 1954, she met Ferdinand Marcos, the future president, at the Philippine Congress. Imelda was visiting her cousin, who was the Speaker of the House. Ferdinand was a member of the opposition, who was speaking against the budget. He asked to be introduced to her.

Just ten days later, after a whirlwind romance, Ferdinand proposed. Imelda accepted, and they were married on 1st May at the San Miguel Pro-Cathedral in Manila.

First lady

Ferdinand was president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 - Imelda became first lady after he was elected on 9th November 1965. She became influential, spending much time abroad on state visits, and reportedly on shopping sprees too! She became known for her extravagance.

Ferdinand ruled under martial law between 1972 and 1981. The president, on announcing martial law (when areas were under the control of the armed forces) said the purpose was to create a new society with no corruption, inequality or crime.

When opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr was assassinated in 1983, there were mass protests, leading to the People Power Revolution. Subsequently, the Marcos family had to flee into exile.

Shoe collection

After they had left, the protesters forced entry into Malacanang Palace, where they found around 2,700 pairs of shoes. The new president, Corazon Aquino (Benigno Aquino's widow), had Imelda Marcos's shoes put on display at the presidential palace.

The move was a damning indictment of the former first lady's opulent lifestyle, in a nation where many people couldn't even afford one pair of shoes and walked around barefoot.

In 2012, around 800 pairs of Imelda's famous shoes were displayed at the Shoe Museum in Marikina. They were considered an important part of the Philippines' history, as she had worn them for official engagements.

The shoes were a combination of imported and local brands, including examples from designers such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Ferragamo, Givenchy and Bally.

Many of them were decorated with sparkly bling and there were all types of footwear including high-heels, flats, slippers, boots and sandals. Some of the imported shoes were said to have cost $100 a pair.

Keen to curry favour with the first lady, it was reported that local shoemakers would give Imelda around 10 pairs of shoes per week.

Poor storage

Unfortunately, many of Imelda's shoes had been damaged irreparably, due to poor storage. More than 1,000 pairs of shoes were ruined by damp conditions and some were spoiled even further by termites.

In 2012, the shoes were taken from the palace to the Philippines' national museum for safekeeping, after mould had ruined some of them. However, a tropical rainstorm struck in 2014, resulting in further deterioration – the storm caused a major leak in the ceiling and soaked the fragile boxes, which failed to protect the shoes.

Museum staff had been unaware of the leak until water poured out from under the door. The boxes, which also contained some of Imelda's gowns, were moved to a dry room. However, some items were ruined. Those that could be salvaged were cleaned up for display at the museum, but many were only fit for the dustbin.

Modern day

Ferdinand Marcos died at the age of 72 on 28th September 1989. Imelda later returned to the Philippines and served four terms as a congresswoman in the House of Representatives. Despite being 89, she is still active in politics and often helps family members on the campaign trail.

Meanwhile, members of the public continue to marvel at all the shoes on display in the unique museum, where they are now in sturdy display cabinets to protect them.

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