ABOUT US
Learn more about the people and vision of the Noel Shoe Museum
Extraordinary Experiences
The Museum will be a vibrant cultural hub, home to a dynamic permanent collection and a series of thoughtfully curated exhibitions presented throughout the years. Designed to spark curiosity and foster connection, each experience will be immersive, interactive, and deeply inspiring—inviting visitors to engage with art, history, and ideas in transformative ways. Beyond its headquarter in New York City, the Museum’s influence will reach far and wide, with select exhibitions and elements of the permanent collection traveling nationally and internationally, ensuring access to its powerful stories and experiences across the globe.
Our Core Values
- Creativity and Imagination: Celebrating footwear as an art form, the museum showcases historical and innovative designs and artistic collaborations that highlight the imaginative, economical, and social aspects of shoe design.
- Education and Preservation: Committed to educating the public about the history and cultural significance of footwear, the museum aims to preserve important artifacts and narratives within the shoe industry.
- Cultural Reflection: By exploring the evolution of shoes, the museum delves into the broader culture of mankind, illustrating how footwear reflects societal changes and human creativity. Therefore, the Museum aims to organize conferences, lectures, presentations, and field trips.
- Accessibility and Engagement: Through immersive and interactive exhibitions, the museum seeks to provide inspiring experiences that are accessible to a wide audience, both nationally and internationally.
These values guide the Noel Shoe Museum’s efforts to position footwear not merely as fashion items but as significant cultural artifacts that tell the story of human innovation and expression.
Board of Directors
Carolina Herrera
Museum BoardAn internationally acclaimed designer since launching her label in 1981, Carolina Herrera is known for her timeless elegance and has dressed icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Michelle Obama. She has received numerous honors, including the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award and Spain’s Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts. Beyond fashion, she has served on design boards and supported cultural and philanthropic initiatives worldwide.
Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia
Museum BoardPrince Dimitri is a jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. After leading roles at Sotheby’s and Phillips, he launched his own brand in 2007, with collections sold at top retailers including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Descendant of European royalty, including Catherine the Great and Louis XIV, he draws inspiration from his rich heritage. Committed to giving back, he actively supports arts and education through various philanthropic boards.
Susan Gutfreund
Museum BoardSusan Gutfreund is a philanthropist, interior decorator, and prominent figure in New York society. Known for her refined style and passion for couture, her fashion pieces are part of collections at the Met, FIT, and Parsons. A close collaborator of renowned designers, she is active in the cultural and philanthropic spheres, serving on multiple boards and supporting institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum and Lifeline New York.
Hon. Carolyn Maloney
Museum BoardCarolyn B. Maloney is a former U.S. Congresswoman and national leader on finance, security, and women’s rights. The first woman to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District, she also chaired the Joint Economic Committee and held senior roles in multiple House committees. Her trailblazing career has made her one of only 18 women in history to chair a Congressional committee.
Maribel Lieberman
Museum BoardFounder and CEO of MARIEBELLE NEW YORK, Maribel Lieberman began her journey in Honduras and built a luxury chocolate brand celebrated worldwide. A Parsons alumna with a background in design and fine cuisine, she rose to prominence with features on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” and recognition by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Her entrepreneurial story reflects a lifelong passion for elegance, flavor, and cultural connection.
Michael A. Dean
Museum BoardMichael A. Dean is a lifestyle branding expert and strategic consultant with over 30 years of experience advising celebrities, athletes, and high-net-worth individuals. He has held leadership roles across entertainment, marketing, and wealth management, and serves on the advisory board of The Hip Hop Museum. Known for his ability to connect people and ideas, his work blends creativity, cultural engagement, and strategic vision.
Joe Pacetti
Museum BoardWith over four decades of experience as an independent jeweler, Joe Pacetti is internationally recognized for sourcing rare gems and serving an elite clientele. Deeply committed to philanthropy, he has supported numerous civic and cultural organizations, including the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. His dedication has earned him honors such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dallas Red Foundation and the Hero of Humanity Award.
Marc Rosen
Museum BoardMarc Rosen is an internationally renowned designer and seven-time FiFi Award winner known for his iconic fragrance and beauty packaging. Founder of Marc Rosen Associates, he has collaborated with major brands such as Revlon, Estee Lauder, and Oscar de la Renta. His work is featured in museums including MoMA and the Musée de la Mode, and he has curated several design exhibitions. Rosen also teaches at Pratt Institute, where he is Trustee Emeritus and the namesake of multiple scholarships.
Jackie Tucker
Museum BoardJackie Tucker is a seasoned financial professional with over 15 years of experience in asset management, consulting, and venture development. Currently Director of Enterprise Architecture at Citi Bank, she has held leadership roles across hedge funds, economic development, and policy initiatives. An NYU Stern MBA graduate, Jackie has advised on private equity strategies, taught finance at CUNY and SUNY, and is a founding board member of NASP New York, supporting diversity and opportunity in finance.
Rachelle Friedman
Museum BoardRachelle Friedman co-founded J&R Music and Computer World, transforming it into the largest independent electronics store in the U.S. She now leads Park Row Family Office, overseeing major real estate developments in New York. A graduate in Chemistry and longtime advocate for business and the arts, she has served on numerous boards including the BBB, NYC Tourism Bureau, and the Library of Congress. Rachelle has received multiple honors for her leadership, including Lifetime Achievement Awards and recognition as one of New York’s most influential women in business.
Billy Balkin
Museum BoardBillie Balkin is a principal at Aerete Strategic Development, where she leads large-scale urban redevelopment projects focused on innovation, agriculture, and community inclusion. Her career spans real estate, equestrian sports, and viticulture, with past work on Brooklyn’s transformative MetroTech Center. Billie is deeply engaged in the cultural life of Philadelphia, serving on multiple civic committees and on the board of the Pennsylvania Ballet. She holds a BA from Boston University and an MBA from Columbia University.
Directors
Dr. Luca Lo Sicco
Director of EducationDr. Luca Lo Sicco is an internationally respected academic and former professor of Fashion Marketing & Management, with more than 25 years of experience teaching and leading programs at some of the world’s most prestigious fashion universities including London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London), SCAD Atlanta, AUT in New Zealand, and PolyU in Hong Kong. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Lo Sicco worked in the luxury fashion industry in Milan, Paris, and London. His research explores the evolution of luxury brands and innovative, creative approaches to teaching. He is also an experienced curator, having led and contributed to Fashion, Photography, and Art exhibitions across the globe.
Contact
(212) 906-0054
info@noelshoemuseum.org
Office Address: 158 East 64th St, NY 10065, New York, USA
