This blog is dedicated to the Geneology of Pointed Shoes. As we are aware, shoes have been an important accessory for humans throughout history. From Middle Paleolithic, it is documented in history that footwear evolved. Footwear was created from hydes or skins of animals. As progress was being made, fat from animals could now be used as a form of thread (known as sinew) to hold together footwear. Later in history, due to access to sumptuous materials and newer forms of technology, shoemakers were now able to create a new form of footwear with higher sophistication.
Shoes (Pumps), 1914–1919
Pietro Yantorny (Italian, 1874–1936)
leather, silk, metallic Length: 9 1/2 in.
Shoes, 1912–1914 American
leather, wood Length: 9 3/4 in. Bar shoes of bronze kid embroidered in a bow motif in tiny bronze beads embellished with large cut bronze beads on the pointed toed vamp, strap over instep also embroidered.
[label] Park Brannock Co., Syracuse, N. Y.
Shoes, 1958
House of Dior (French, founded 1947)
silk, leather, metallic threads, plastic, glass Length: 9 3/8 in.
Single shoe of pale yellow satin; pump embroidered with orange, metallic gold and silver threads and pale orange and clear rhinestones, very pointed toe and modified narrow Louis heel.
[stamped in shoe] "Christian Dior créé par Roger Vivier, Paris"
Shoes, Evening, ca. 1969Albanese (Italian), Manufacturer Italian leather, silk, metal, synthetics; Length: 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm) Height (of heel): 3 1/2 in. Designer unknown.
Pair of shoes of dyed pony skin in red and black zebra pattern: pointed toe; square throat trimmed in black leather border; thin black leather strap across instep with small center buckle;
Shoes (Crackows), 2001
Designer/Stamp: Daniel Storto (Canadian)
cotton, leather Pair of poulaines (crackows) of painted white cotton canvas with white leather soles: low-cut shoe; square-cut throat; seam at instep; seam at CB; extended vamp with exaggerated pointed toe;
Isn't just interesting to see how technology and creativity continue to grow in the designing of shoes. I find it interesting how artists can learn from history and re-envision new artistic thoughts, making what once would be difficult, but with new technology coupled with past studies of history, the possibilities are endless!
Below you will find various types of pointed shoes beginning from middle Paleolithic -raw styles through 2007, -current high end designer shoes. You can see both progress being made through years and also see similarities in shoes, such as shapes, materials used (leathers, fabric), and pointed shoes included round points, despite place of origin. You can also see changes in embellishments such as fine and intricate embroidery details. You will also see the change in the overall sophistication as progress continues, such as in newer current trends, including clean design and textiles. I tried to include shoes that had more exaggerated points, but they were limited.
Another note, I find it interesting and would like to know why some consumers wear "pointed" as opposed to "round." To me, I always felt that those who wore pointed, want to be taken more seriously and respected. As for those who wear rounded, I feel that it shows a personality that is bubbly, fun, and youthful. Although I am currently researching, "Why pointed shoes" I would like to hear your thoughts on this! Hope you enjoy this!
Middle Paleolithic Leather Sandals. See the interesting cut and placment for threading (sinew). It was interesting how details started existing since this time and age.
Shoes (Crackows), 1300–1450British; Found London, Englandleather; Length: 10 1/2 in.
Bashford Dean Memorial Collection
Shoes, 1690–1700 French
silk, leather Length: 10 in.;
Rogers Fund; White kid shoes embroidered in silk of green and yellow and metal thread in floral motif: extremely pointed toes; "Louis" heels.
silk, leather Length: 10 in.;
Rogers Fund; White kid shoes embroidered in silk of green and yellow and metal thread in floral motif: extremely pointed toes; "Louis" heels.
Shoe of pink wool damask; very pointed toe and rather wide, shaped heel; straps at instep over tongue.
Shoes, Evening, 1900–1905. Arthur Burt (American), Designer; Americansilk, glass; Heel to Toe: 9 1/2 in.
Shoes (Pumps), 1914–1919Pietro Yantorny (Italian, 1874–1936)
leather, silk, metallic Length: 9 1/2 in.
Sling-back pumps (1 pair) of wine-red velvet embroidered in a silver metallic design of flowers and leaf forms. The turned up pointed toes, the heart shape curve of the vamp and the curving line of the uppers towards CB, show a definite near eastern influence. Black elastic sling covered with fine wine net. Squared Louis heel with flat plane CB. Shoe lined with wine kidskin and satin.
[label] Yantorny/Paris 26, Place Vendôme
[label] Yantorny/Paris 26, Place Vendôme
Shoes, 1912–1914 Americanleather, wood Length: 9 3/4 in. Bar shoes of bronze kid embroidered in a bow motif in tiny bronze beads embellished with large cut bronze beads on the pointed toed vamp, strap over instep also embroidered.
[label] Park Brannock Co., Syracuse, N. Y.
Shoes, 1958House of Dior (French, founded 1947)
silk, leather, metallic threads, plastic, glass Length: 9 3/8 in.
Single shoe of pale yellow satin; pump embroidered with orange, metallic gold and silver threads and pale orange and clear rhinestones, very pointed toe and modified narrow Louis heel.
[stamped in shoe] "Christian Dior créé par Roger Vivier, Paris"
Shoes, Evening, ca. 1969Albanese (Italian), Manufacturer Italian leather, silk, metal, synthetics; Length: 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm) Height (of heel): 3 1/2 in. Designer unknown.
Pair of shoes of dyed pony skin in red and black zebra pattern: pointed toe; square throat trimmed in black leather border; thin black leather strap across instep with small center buckle;
[label] "Pacelle/Saks Fifth Avenue"
Shoes (Crackows), 2001Designer/Stamp: Daniel Storto (Canadian)
cotton, leather Pair of poulaines (crackows) of painted white cotton canvas with white leather soles: low-cut shoe; square-cut throat; seam at instep; seam at CB; extended vamp with exaggerated pointed toe;
Notice the comparisons to the Crackows created in 1300 (Above). They appear to be identical, however, this pair includes the use of cotton as opposed to only leather and also appears to be more comfortable due to uses of cotton.
Shoes, 2007
Designer: The one and only... Manolo Blahnik (born Spain, 1942)
(a, b) silk, feathers Heel to Toe
Shoes of purple silk with applied peacock feathers: (a, b) slingback pump; pointed toe; appliqué vamp; piped throat; elasticized slingback self-covered strap.
Designer: The one and only... Manolo Blahnik (born Spain, 1942)
(a, b) silk, feathers Heel to Toe
Shoes of purple silk with applied peacock feathers: (a, b) slingback pump; pointed toe; appliqué vamp; piped throat; elasticized slingback self-covered strap.
Isn't just interesting to see how technology and creativity continue to grow in the designing of shoes. I find it interesting how artists can learn from history and re-envision new artistic thoughts, making what once would be difficult, but with new technology coupled with past studies of history, the possibilities are endless!
I want to add one more important note about how important it is to purchase a great pair of shoes. I always loved to wear the latest in Western Boots. One day, as I was posing for a school fashion shoot (wearing my own design)... it was a rainy day and my boots got wet, thus I got mud on them:( I looked good from the ankle up), but apparently the shoes made the design look bad... although the photo did not include my boots. Immediately, nne of my great professors, Mina, from Yugoslavia said, "Dust your shoes... dust your shoes" she continued to say, "no matter what you wear and it could be torn jeans or a t- shirt... never, never, wear shoes that are muddy, old or dusty or dirty... shoes say alot about a person and show an image." Although the shoes were not that bad, you can bet from that day forward, I always have looked at my shoes in a new way and looked at other persons shoes in a different way too. And no matter my mood or what I am wearing, tore jeans especially, I always make sure my shoes match and are always kept clean. So get your best shoes on, collect as many as you can... even when on sale for the end of season... well of course, depending where you live... and always look your best with those Manolos or whatever you prefer, but always keep them free of mud... add a pair of boyfriend or destruction jeans or just your worn out jeans and trust me... You will be noticed, in a good way!
No comments:
Post a Comment