Turkish Shoes, 1850–55. Beige rep silk with black silk gros-de-naples foliate design in tapestry weave and black painted wood heel. Purchase, Judith and Ira Sommer Gift, 2005 (2005.113a, b).
The elegant black foliate patterned textile of these shoes was woven by hand, á la disposition, to conform to the pattern piece of the uppers. After the Crimean War, textiles with this tapestry weave were exported for reticules, slippers, and even upholstery. In this instance, it is possible that the textile with the woven pattern of uppers, rather than the completed slippers, was imported to this country to be cobbled together here. The ballet slipper–like flats, with their square toes, were a style that persisted in vogue throughout the first half of the nineteenth century. These shoes, like many women’s light slippers of the day, continued to be made on a straight last, or shoe form, with identical right and left sides.
February 15, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I would not be surprised if a designer is ‘inspired’ by this example.
February 16, 2008 at 1:06 pm
It’s always important to remember that there is no such thing as ‘modern’ or ‘novel’ in fashion. Shoes such as these remind us of this.
LibertyGirl
http://www.libertylondongirl.blogspot.com/
February 16, 2008 at 1:24 pm
‘It’s always important to remember that there is no such thing as ‘modern’ or ‘novel’ in fashion. Shoes such as these remind us of this. ‘
‘Modern’ and ‘novel’ in themselves are not values.
Perhaps the shoes in this exhibition are paying homage to the ‘novelty’ and ‘modernity’ of the work of the sponsor of this show, perhaps, could be a subtext, who knows?
February 16, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I’d do them.! Modernity is sooo a value in itself.
February 16, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I like the idea of making interchangeable shoes that would mold themselves to the feet of the wearers. It’s also more practical for production. Although, probably a little uncomfortable at first.
February 17, 2008 at 2:44 pm
these are really cute! i would wear them any time
February 17, 2008 at 2:47 pm
these shoes look like a piece of modern time they are great
February 20, 2008 at 1:52 pm
love the embroidery!
February 23, 2008 at 2:01 pm
These shoes are so cute. I have a dress that they would do with and I WOULD WEAR TO A FRIEND’S BIRTHDAY PARTY.
February 23, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I think the shoes look really wierd and verry uncomforatable and verry ugly
February 24, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I think these shoes look like the flats of today in a Turkish version from years ago. I’m not sure if they would be very comfortable, but I’m sure that if they were sold at a store today they would be bought. I like the design; it’s intricate and the colors work together well.
February 29, 2008 at 8:37 pm
The date was a shocker - these fabulous slippers look so 1920s. They’re a delight!
March 12, 2008 at 10:36 am
this museum is magnificent and very giant
March 18, 2008 at 6:43 am
I think the shoes are great but I was wondering… with what garments would you match them?
March 22, 2008 at 10:24 am
i like the design but the shape is really nasty.
March 27, 2008 at 9:25 am
Excelente muestra de arte del vestuario. La tela se convierte en materia artistica para hablar el lenguaje de la mujer.