Jan Jansen (1941-2026)

On 10 June 2026, we bid farewell to Jan Jansen. To us, he was not only one of the Netherlands’ most visionary shoe designers, but also the inspiration for the Jan Jansen Shoe Treasures shoe art project in 2017.

Jan was so much more than an exceptional designer. He was a visionary, a storyteller, a creative spirit, a mentor, and, above all, an extraordinary human being. For more than sixty years, he continually redefined the possibilities of shoe design. Designing was never only his profession, it was his way of life. As long as there were ideas, there were shoes still waiting to be made. With boundless imagination, remarkable technical mastery, an infectious sense of humour, and a playful view of the world, he inspired generations of designers, artists, and admirers across the globe.

To us, Jan was not only the creator of an extraordinary body of work, but also the heart of Jan Jansen Shoe Treasures. The idea for this project took shape while unpacking and repacking his remarkable shoe archive. I still remember saying to him, “Jan, we have to do something with these shoes. We could invite artists to create new works inspired by them.” I can still hear his response: “Amber, my dear, that’s far too much work. Don’t even start.” But I couldn’t let go of the idea, so I contacted Liza, founder of the VirtualShoeMuseum, who immediately shared my enthusiasm.

Jan Jansen Shoe Treasures was founded on the belief that Jan’s shoes are far more than objects to be worn. They are miniature works of art, existing at the intersection of fashion, design, and functional objects. We wanted to share that vision by inviting artists to engage with his shoes and create new works inspired by them. In doing so, we hoped these extraordinary creations and the stories they carry would continue to bring people together. For Jan, every shoe began with an idea, became an adventure, and always carried a smile. It was precisely that spirit we wanted to celebrate.

Jan’s legacy lives on in thousands of his designs, in museums, private collections, and publications, but above all in the countless people whose lives he touched and inspired. His influence reaches far beyond his iconic shoes. He showed us that craftsmanship, imagination, and individuality can exist in perfect harmony.

We are grateful to have known Jan, to have worked alongside him, and to have become a small part of the story he told through his shoes. His creativity, wit, and enduring curiosity will remain with us.

Thank you, Jan. For showing the world that a single pair of shoes can set dreams in motion.

Amber Ambrose Aurèle


Photo’s by Charlotte Visser.
Opening night at Rokin, Amsterdam in 2017. Jan making music with the Jan Jansen Shoe Treasures mixed media sculpture Stairway to Heaven by Kei Kagami, featuring 4 of his iconic shoes.
Portrait of Liza, Amber and Jan.

www.janjansenshoetreasures.com