Another hundred ways to leave the foot in view
The second Robert Harper sandal collection extends an already substantial study of open footwear. It contains 122 unique shots across 297 total frames, covering sandals and flip-flops in a wide range of forms.
The category’s scale matters. What can appear to be a simple sole and strap becomes a broad design language shaped by material, fastening, ornament, comfort and the social idea of summer.
Robert Harper’s fashion and lifestyle eye
Behind the sandals and flip-flops, collection two studies is Harper’s Scottish upbringing between Glasgow and Islay. His first camera arrived at seven; at fourteen he sold a concert photograph of The Who. London photography studies preceded two years at Condé Nast, directly assisting David Bailey, Helmut Newton and Lester Bookbinder.
That apprenticeship gave him direct experience of fashion styling and exact commercial image-making. Harper later established his own studio and built an approximately thirty five year career.
The sandals and flip-flops, collection two studies belong to Harper’s work across magazine fashion and product photography. He worked regularly for Elle and The Telegraph Magazine for more than fifteen years. Other editorial credits included Vogue, Tatler, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Face, Wallpaper and Harpers & Queen. Across his broader career, confirmed clients included De Beers, Boots, Heinz, Diageo, Harrods, Selfridges, the BBC, CBS Records and Montblanc.
His archive joins fashion with travel, beaches and lifestyle, giving open footwear a broader cultural setting.
Leisure, climate and changing taste
Sandals may be practical, ceremonial or luxurious. Flip-flops can move from beach utility to fashion object. Across 122 compositions, the collection may preserve this full spectrum.
Brands and materials remain subjects for research within the original catalogue group and its wider fashion and travel context.
Archive provenance
- Original category: Shoes 27, Sandals & Flipflops 2
- Unique shots: 122
- Total frames: 297
- Recorded subjects: sandals and flip-flops
- Photographer: Robert Harper