History's Runway: A Pair of Ladies Boots, c. 1865

Boots
French, 1865
The Victoria & Albert Museum

These red boots, laced at the back, are made of ribbed silk. They were designed to come up just above the ankle and are set with the then-fashionable “military” style heel. The heel has been covered in silk to match the uppers. They have are trimmed at the top with bobbin lace and ribbons.

London Society ladies of the 1860s and 1870s had a passion for these high-heeled French boots which were important from Parisian show-makers or often copied by English cobblers. According to the V&A, “The French influence was due to the stylish Empress Eugenie who had married the French emperor, Napoleon III, in 1853. She was probably responsible for the introduction of the shorter skirt which led to a greater emphasis on stockings and shoes.” Such boots tended to be rather gaudy by Nineteenth Century standards and were made in a variety of bold, bright colors thanks to the chemical aniline dyes which were introduced in the 1860s. 

History's Runway: A Pair of Ladies Boots, c. 1865

Boots
French, 1865
The Victoria & Albert Museum

These red boots, laced at the back, are made of ribbed silk. They were designed to come up just above the ankle and are set with the then-fashionable “military” style heel. The heel has been covered in silk to match the uppers. They have are trimmed at the top with bobbin lace and ribbons.

London Society ladies of the 1860s and 1870s had a passion for these high-heeled French boots which were important from Parisian show-makers or often copied by English cobblers. According to the V&A, “The French influence was due to the stylish Empress Eugenie who had married the French emperor, Napoleon III, in 1853. She was probably responsible for the introduction of the shorter skirt which led to a greater emphasis on stockings and shoes.” Such boots tended to be rather gaudy by Nineteenth Century standards and were made in a variety of bold, bright colors thanks to the chemical aniline dyes which were introduced in the 1860s. 

Object of the Day: A Victorian Trade Card for Trimmings

 

After over one hundred and ten years, this antique trade card for “trimmings” still boasts a bright and crisp image depicting two girls in colorful dress, pausing to chat during a butterfly hunt—a popular Victorian amusement for young ladies.  Sadly, however, the text has become difficult to read due to common wear. 

The reverse of the card is completely unreadable.  Only the ghost of the original text remains since the card had once been glued into an album (as these trade cards often were).  Whoever rescued this card carefully pulled it from the album—which I’m sure was torn apart and sold in pieces. 

I have mixed opinions about that.  On one hand, I find it tragic when these albums are destroyed.  Someone took the time to lovingly compile them, and, as a whole, they have both visual and historical value.  They lasted over a century and should, I think, be kept in tact. However, were it not for the destruction of these albums, most of us would not have a chance to collect any of these cards.  The cost of an entire album would be prohibitive while the cost of buying a single card is affordable and allows anyone who’s interested to enjoy these bits of advertising history.  So, as I said, mixed opinions…

Remnants of glue and the decorated page of the album are still seen in traces on the reverse of this card with the original text barely visible beneath.  I wish I could make it out, but, it’s just not going to happen.

The front reads:

S.C. WILD.

DEALER IN

Fancy Trimmings, Plumes, Flowers & Feathers

Cor. Penn and Center Avenues, East End.  Pittsburgh, Pa.

Such trimmings, feathers, plumes, ribbons and silk flowers would have been purchased by ladies to add to their ensembles, hats, fans and purses.  The two young ladies depicted here have  some lovely trimmings on their outfits.  So, in this case, the image actually has something to do with the product being sold.  Their scene is labeled, in cute French, as “Une Fameuse Expedition.”