PIMPIN SHOES @ DEADTECH / 2004

Shoes, LEDs, microprocessors
Size 12

This pair of dancing shoes is meant for one song only: Billie Jean, by Michael Jackson. The corresponding music video, released in 1983, featured sidewalk tiles that lit up as Jackson passed over them.

I embedded LEDs and microprocessors into the soles of this pair of shoes to allow for a portable Billie Jean experience. In keeping with my investigation into the nature of function, the Pimpin Shoes both add and remove functionality. Much like the high-heeled shoe, it's understood that a certain amount of comfort can be sacrificed for style. But, to take it one step further, I aimed for 0% comfort and 100% style.

Disclaimer: I'd like to make it clear that author and owner of Billie Jean is Michael Jackson. The shoes were made by me, and I've included a portion of Jackson's song at a reduced quality in my video documentation to recreate the performance in which my shoes appeared. If you enjoy this song I encourage you to buy it, as it totally rocks.