Model No. 189
This object comes from a group of over seventy-five shoe prototypes designed in Paris in 1939 by Steven Arpad. Aside from the lines of leather accessories and jewelry he produced under his own name in the 1940s, Arpad seems to have worked mostly anonymously. The prototypes are accompanied by an extensive archive of original sketches which has made it possible to identify uncredited shoe designs for Balenciaga and Delman as Arpad's work. Containing some of the most creative, unique, and unusual examples of footwear design in the collection, the museum's holdings appear to be the only documented body of the work of this extraordinary designer.
Arpad makes an especially effective and attractive use of color and curved shapes in this sandal design. Layering was a technique that the designer returned to repeatedly in his work. The closure is particularly refined, as the strap connecting the two sides runs underneath so as not to interrupt the emanating arcs.
Arpad makes an especially effective and attractive use of color and curved shapes in this sandal design. Layering was a technique that the designer returned to repeatedly in his work. The closure is particularly refined, as the strap connecting the two sides runs underneath so as not to interrupt the emanating arcs.
Artwork Details
- Title: Model No. 189
- Designer: Steven Arpad (French, 1904–1999)
- Date: 1939
- Culture: French
- Medium: leather, wood
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Arpad, 1947
- Object Number: 2009.300.3063
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Steven Arpad
1939
Steven Arpad
1939
Steven Arpad
1939
Steven Arpad
1939
Steven Arpad
1939
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.