It’s not surprising that a man named Stuart Weitzman decided to collect shoes from all eras. Not only are they beautiful objects and highly informative pieces of human history, they make for great inspiration if you happen to be a shoemaker yourself. Weitzman was born into the business, though he did not plan to join it. That is until his father taught him how to carve a heel. Weitzman brought a business degree and a big imagination to the shoe biz, and in 1986 founded his eponymous footwear company. His private shoe collection, built over 40 years, came from flea markets, auctions, and as gifts. This exhibition of 100-plus pairs of shoes works on many levels: it’s a history of shoes, a history of shoemaking and its socioeconomics, a look at evolving aesthetics, and a nod to the postwar women who designed inspired footwear. Also, it’s a lot of fun. —L.J.