African Bound: Peter Beard Sandals

Legendary photographer Peter Beard is nearly as much known for the sandals he's worn as he is for his incredible body of work and adven-turous life.

His notable sandals, called Pitamber Khodas, are named for the African maker where he bought his first pair years ago and they are Afghan in origin. Where the "mandal" has been scorned by many,this style seems to be the exception. Even style authority Glenn O'Brien finds affection for this sandal.

He comments..."These are the dressiest sandals I own. I won't wear my Birkies with a linen suit, but I will wear my "Peter Beard sandals." That's what my friend Wayne Maser, the globetrotting photographer, calls these Kenyan-made leather sandals, because they are a sort of trademark of Peter Beard, the great photographer, adventurer, and all-around character. Wayne had these made up for me in Nairobi from a faxed drawing of my foot. I love them so much they've been re-heeled and half-soled twice. I'm going to need a new pair soon. I hope I don't have to go all the way to Kenya to get them. Maybe they make them in Ethiopia, too".

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