The shoes and boots that I have created are historically accurate reproductions of vintage shoes and boots.
Antique footwear - Victorian⁄Edwardian Shoes
An interesting point regarding Victorian Morality is that women’s ankles were to be covered to protect them from men’s prying eyes. Ironically though, the intricate tight lacings of the ankle boots had a titilating effect.Glimpses of the foot exposed while walking inspired bootmakers to adorn their creations with silk fabrics and metallic thread embroidery. For revealing shapely ankles, buttons were preferred over laces. In the gay ’90’s, ornately decorated boots with flowers and birds were worn by opera- goers and became known as "opera boots."
During this time period walking boots could be functional as well as fashionable. Sensible, utilitarian boots were a cold-weather staple in the latter half of the 19th century. The typical walking boot was lined with flannel, had a half inch heel and cost about $5.50.
Read more > March 4, 2007, 11:58 am