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Museum object · Clothing - Costume

Platform boots worn by Little Richard

1970s

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

COLLECTION RECORDImage not availableExplore the catalog description and source record.
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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Platform boots worn by Little Richard. The boots are made of a tan leather. They are square-toed and have a decorative silver-colored front platform with small diamond-shaped cutouts and small circle-shaped cutouts. There is a black background behind the cutouts. Each boot has a large stacked wooden heel with black rubber on the bottom. There are some small circle cutouts along the bottom edge of the soles. There is a zip-up closure that goes from the top of the boot to the arch of the foot on the inner side of each boot. The zipper reads [CLIX] on the pull. The inside of the boots are marked “Rino’s / Hand Made” in faded black ink. The insides of the boots are an off-white leather with a darker sole. The soles have text that cannot be made out. Both boots have scuff marks in many places, but especially near the toes.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2020.53.3ab

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