Prince's personally-owned and -worn custom-made tall purple 'New Power Generation' platform boots, crafted in 2002 by famous Sunset Boulevard cobbler shop Andre No. 1, who made about 3,000 pairs of shoes and boots for Prince over the course of two decades. The luxurious purple suede boots measure an overall 16″ tall and 9.75″ long, with 2.5″ heels and black crepe soles. The fronts have cut-out "NPG" lettering backed by gold foil fabric, and the sides and backs are decorated with corded purple loops. Inside, both have the "Andre #1, Made in L.A., U.S.A." tags. In fine condition.
Includes an original letter from Prince's fashion designer Debbie McGuan, dated April 12, 2002, providing a small sketch of the desired boot and some instructions: "This fabric is for one pair purple boot w/ corded loops and one pair of burgundy boots w/ corded loops also: The NPG letters in gold (metallic gold fabric, no leather) or in black. We are on tour right now so I will call you Monday 15th to go over w/ you the boots." Also includes three faxes from McGuan, providing copies of detailed sketches for the boots: they offer front views and side views of the proposed design, demonstrating the "NPG" cut-out and tiers of corded loops. Last are two cardstock templates used to craft the boot, one for the boot's overall structure and one for the "NPG" cut-out.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Gary Kazanchyan, CEO of Andre No. 1, in part: "These purple ultrasuede boots were worn and owned by Prince…These were later returned to have changes made but Prince decided he didn't want them any more and changed to a totally different style. These were custom made by Andre No. 1 who made Prince's shoes and boots for over 20 years." Vogue profiled Kazanchyan's work with Prince in 2018.
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