Seeking to challenge traditional notions of shoe design, "Stepping Into the Limelight" is an experimental fashion exhibition that runs until Sept. 29, 2013.

 
The exhibit features a wealth of styles by international designers with inspirations drawn from architecture, comic irony and social issues. Here's just a small sampling of the myriad of outlandish designs on display:
 
Ohne Titel shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Ohne Titel' shoes, by Svenja Ritter
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Tongari Atama shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Tongari Atama' shoes, by Gert van Gastel
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Marie Antoinette and Mina Harker shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Marie Antoinette' and 'Mina Harker' shoes, by Barbara Zucchi
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Pink Poodle shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Pink Poodle' shoes, by Jeremy Scott/Adidas
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Mojito shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Mojito' shoes, by Julian Hakes
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Loulou shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Loulou' shoes, by Pinelopi Loizidou
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Flashes shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Flashes' shoes, by Jochen Kronier
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Cutlery, Shoebag, and Brooms shoes

Photo: Joern Haufe/Getty Images

'Cutlery' by Lauren Johnstone, 'Shoebag' by Astrid Jansen, and 'Brooms' shoes by Sol Alonso
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Catie Leary ( @catieleary ) writes about science, travel, animals and the arts.

Related topics: Art & Architecture, Photography