Black Pump with Ruffled Vamp for Delman's Shoes, New York

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)

1934 · Gouache · Drawings and Prints

"Brilliant crystal evenings are enhanced by Delman’s shoes" This line from a 1935 Vogue advertisement beautifully captures the image that Herman Delman (1895–1955) created for his New York shoe company. Delman Shoes stood for comfort and quality and also were true eye-catchers during a night out on the town. They became the favorites of many socialites and film stars whom Delman also recruited to feature in his advertisements. To create unique footwear designs, the businessman attracted various well-known designers including Erté (Romain de Tirtoff, French, born Russia, 1892–1990, see designs nearby), Roger Vivier (French, 1913–1998) and Herbert Levine (American, 1916–1991). Another important contributor was Steven Arpad (French, 1904–1999), who designed an extensive line of shoes for Delman and Balenciaga, but did so anonymously. The Museum owns a group of seventy-five prototypes and a collection of his original sketches, which allow us to catch a glimpse of the uniqueness and modernity that characterized shoe designs of the 1930s.

Artist

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)

Date

1934

Medium

Gouache

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Purchase, The Martin Foundation Inc. Gift, 1967