ticketsMember | Make a donation

Mules

1950–59
Not on view
No object better epitomizes the sex-kitten glamour of the 1950s than the marabou mule. The style has become an icon of feminine allure, making it the only significant modern survivor of the boudoir slipper. On this pair from the Brooklyn collection, the transparent acrylic sole increases the iconic potency of the design by making reference to Cinderella, the unrivaled superstar of shoe lore. Adding to the glamorous aura, this pair of mules belonged to actress Joan Fontaine.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mules
  • Date: 1950–59
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: plastic (acrylic), feathers
  • Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Joan Fontaine, 1962
  • Object Number: 2009.300.1537a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Tasman Onia, Denim Tears American, leather, shearling, rubber, plastic, American
Tasman Onia
Multiple artists/makers
spring/summer 2022
Evening dress, Ann Lowe American, nylon, metallic thread, silk, American
Evening dress
Ann Lowe
ca. 1960
"The Tarts", Elizabeth Hawes American, silk, American
"The Tarts"
Elizabeth Hawes
1937
"Butterfly", Charles James American, silk, synthetic, American
"Butterfly"
Charles James
1955
Evening dress, Charles James American, silk/rayon, silk, American
Evening dress
Charles James
1946

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.