Shoes
The spectator (i.e. a shoe with contrasting materials in the upper) is a sporty style, often rendered in boldly contrasting colors, and interpreted in a variety of cuts, including oxford (closed tab lacing), blucher (open tab lacing), and pump (low cut slip-on). The classic menswear style was often feminized in the 1920s and 1930s with a high heel. Although conservative in style, this pair of superior quality custom made spectators has been constructed with particular attention to the appealing contrast in materials, finish and color. The shoes are equipped with the original shoe trees, specifically fitted to preserve their shape. Shoes of this quality were an investment, which with proper care could be counted on for many years of service.
Artwork Details
- Title: Shoes
- Department Store: Thomas
- Date: ca. 1928
- 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, 1966
- Object Number: 2009.300.3852a–d
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
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.