Shoes

Delman

1937–39 · leather, silk · Costume Institute

Herman Delman (1895 -1955) is remembered as the great showman of the New York footwear industry. Targeting wealthy socialites and celebrities as his customers, Delman opened a small custom shoe shop on Madison Avenue in 1919. Gradually shifting his attentions to manufacturing, Delman hired top designers, most notably Roger Vivier, to create finely-crafted, chic and luxurious footwear in stand-out designs. Delman was a savvy promoter who realized that product image was paramount. He pioneered the practice of featuring film stars in his advertisements and partnered with exclusive clothing stores, including Saks and Bergdorf Goodman, to distribute his shoes. Contrary to common practice, Delman insisted that his name appear in every shoe he manufactured, thus securing his company's reputation and success. Delman was an innovator in the introduction of the platform sole in the late 1930s. Common variations including splitting the sole into a wedge heel and foresole platform, and making cut-outs in the sole, both of which are seen in this creative and amusing design.

Artist

Delman

Date

1937–39

Medium

leather, silk

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Lewis Iselin Jr., 1960