Shoe prototype

Lloyd

1955–59 · leather, wood · Costume Institute

This prototype from the Osgood collection puts a spin on traditional men’s business wear by its creative interpretation of the apron front. Adapted from the moccasin, the "apron" or "plug" is a separate top section covering the toe and instep. In this example, the seam of the apron has been moved extremely low and made to pass under the applied lacing tabs. The seam of the apron is attractively emphasized with topstitching detail, and its rounded V shape is repeated in the forepart silhouette and in the top edge at the ankle. The shoe is lasted with a modish elongated shallow pointed toe, rather than the typical blunt, full toe which would normally be associated with the moccasin. The eggplant color is a subtle but appealing departure from the standard menswear palette.

Artist

Lloyd

Date

1955–59

Medium

leather, wood

Culture

probably German

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Charline Osgood, 1960