One of my first stops in London this time were the spanking new Shoe Galleries at Selfridges. I was expected to be blown away by the sheer variety, but choosing the best of every designer is what Selfridges does best – and they didn’t disappoint.

The space has been created by architect Jamie Fobert – no less than eleven distinct galleries circled by six boutiques complete with a soothing hanging garden which Selfridges’ Director of Accessories Sebastian Manes calls “a vision of Eden.”Here are the incredibly imaginative store windows created especially for the launch of the world’s largest shoe department:

The Shoemaker’s Elves

The 12 Dancing Princesses

There was an Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe

A window installation designed by Dries Van Noten. Note the apple and the tree, as well as the red of the apple mirrored in the one pair of debaucherous stilettos surrounded by functional black brogues.

A large trainer covered with lightbulbs

The Art of the Shoebox – Designers had used shoeboxes to express their creative thought.

A sandal covered with lightbulbs

 Step on my Blue Suede Shoes

The Ruby Slippers – No shoe story is complete without a mention of Dorothy’s ruby slippers. And in true subversive style, the house has landed on many Dorothys.

Kinky Boots – A nod to London’s unpredictable weather