Pumps

I. Miller

ca. 1935 · wool, leather, plastic · Costume Institute

I. Miller was the top New York company for stylish and high quality women's shoes through the middle half of the 20th century. Rising to prominence in the 1920s as a supplier of theatrical footwear, I. Miller developed a wider audience by specializing in shoes at a time when boots were still widely worn. To create a product suited to the imprint "I. Miller Beautiful Shoes" in each pair, the company hired talented designers, many of whom when on to prominence in their own right, including Beth Levine, David Evins, Nancy Knox and Beverly Feldman. This pair of pumps is particularly appealing for its attractive, unusual and delicate detailing. The short, full toe and high Continental heel are classic features of a 1930s pump.

Artist

I. Miller

Date

ca. 1935

Medium

wool, leather, plastic

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Anonymous gift, 1952