Boots

Charles Strohbeck, Inc.

ca. 1918 · leather, cotton, silk · Costume Institute

The climax of the 100-year reign of the boot as the preeminent daytime footwear is celebrated by this high-style example by the Brooklyn manufacturer Charles Strohbeck, Inc. In the early 1920s, the boot plummeted from the fashion scene, not to regains any real importance again until forty years later, as a compliment to the miniskirt of the 1960s. While black was the most typical color, the years 1890s -1920 saw numerous lighter shades come into favor. This example is particularly dressy, featuring a floral brocade leg and attractive tan and golden yellow hues. Saved as a sample and hence in perfect condition, the boots include an aluminum plate above the heel top piece, a feature distinct to the late 1910s.

Artist

Charles Strohbeck, Inc.

Date

ca. 1918

Medium

leather, cotton, 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 Charles Strohbeck, 1964