Mules

Unknown

1950–59 · plastic (acrylic), feathers · Costume Institute

No object better epitomizes the sex-kitten glamour of the 1950s than the marabou mule. The style has become an icon of feminine allure, making it the only significant modern survivor of the boudoir slipper. On this pair from the Brooklyn collection, the transparent acrylic sole increases the iconic potency of the design by making reference to Cinderella, the unrivaled superstar of shoe lore. Adding to the glamorous aura, this pair of mules belonged to actress Joan Fontaine.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1950–59

Medium

plastic (acrylic), feathers

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 Joan Fontaine, 1962