Oxfords
First appearing in men's shoes around 1800, the oxford has been a staple of the female wardrobe for well over 100 years. While versions almost indistinguishable from men's shoes have been worn since 1900, women's oxfords are often feminized with a high heel. As was the trend for tailored suits, wealthy American women who could travel to Europe to stock their closets often chose Britain as the source for complimentary footwear. These high quality, custom made oxfords were purchased in London by a fashionable American client. Attesting to the classic quality of the style, the client had this shoe made up in eight different variations of color and material, from basic black to an attractive and atypical grey suede.
Artwork Details
- Title: Oxfords
- Department Store: Thomas
- Date: ca. 1927
- Culture: British
- Medium: leather
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Rodman A. Heeren, 1960
- Object Number: 2009.300.3783a–d
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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