Shoes displayed at the ongoing exhibition.[Photo provided to China Daily]

In the second section, the show focuses on how shoes define sexy in different culture.

Red-feathered mules made in 1999 in London seduce visitors with their rich color and feminine shape; barrette boots, which are made using silk satin, linen and leather in England over 1865-1875, vie for attention with their combination of neutral shape and feminine decorative details, including a golden crossing band and bowknot on the toe cap; the vertiginous geta with heels over 20 center meters high show how an oiran, a high-class prostitute during the Edo period in Japan, attracted attention.

Throughout the centuries and across cultures, footwear has been a way to show social status.

The blue mock-croc Vivienne Westwood platforms took the blame for supermodel Naomi Campbell's fall on a catwalk in Paris.

Such a design shows the courage of people who favor them.