Boudoir slippers
c. 1939
Daniel Green
Gift of Kevin Jones
2008.155.3AB
In the 1937 article, "Mules: The More the Merrier," Vogue claimed that, "all women are slipper collectors."1 Though this is probably an overstatement, the article indicates that in the late 1930s, slippers were much more than soft and comfy shoes for scuffing around the house. Garnet satin mules for intimate evenings at home, flat black satin slides for hostessing, red flannel canvas flats for pairing with casual slacks or shorts, and rustic fur-lined reindeer moccasins are only a sampling of the slipper styles presented in the Vogue article. Slippers were playful, spanning the gap between sensible daytime footwear and refined evening footwear.
Slippers were primarily intended for at-home wear, but depending on style, could sometimes venture outside the house. Slipper manufacturer Daniel Green, maker of the aqua satin boudoir slippers pictured here, was particularly active in promoting slippers that walked the line between private and public situations. In 1937, a Daniel Green advertisement suggested that slippers could be worn "for daytime leisure…and doings after dark."2 Vaguely racy, this advertising copy encourages the daring consumer to incorporate her more elegant slippers into evening ensembles. Given that high-heeled slippers were similar in silhouette to daytime footwear, this was not an unrealistic suggestion.
Though we weren't able to locate an image of this exact style of slipper, we did find similar styles manufactured by Daniel Green. Ruched self-fabric trim, here decorating the vamp and slingback strap, was a feature of late 1930s Daniel Green slippers. The "Frou Frou" was identical the slipper pictured here, lacking only the slingback strap. The "Idler" was a bootie version, with ruching that circled the foot opening, almost covering the ankle. In advertising, both styles were promoted as both comfortable and stylish. Can't wait to discover the name of this slingback style!
2008.155.3AB
1 "Mules: The More the Merrier." Vogue Dec 1, 1939: p. 140.
Oh my! Love these. Who knew the “Daniel Green” brand has been around that long. My UGG slippers just don’t compare.
Yes, Daniel Green has been around for a long time. I was surprised to learn that the company was founded in the late 19th century. I found corporate ads dating from 1900. They have a brief history on their website: http://www.danielgreen.com/productcart/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=1
Too bad Daniel Green doesn’t do anything this attractive today.
Looking at the picture, the sling straps look like a different color fabric. In years past (when shoe repair was an art) a good cobbler could add that kind of detail for a customer. Many cobblers did such good work it was hard to tell from the original manufacture of the footwear.
Good cobblers can do amazing work, it’s true. However, a few people commented on our Facebook page that they had the identical shoes in their personal or institutional collections. So, it seems that the design is one created by Daniel Green.
The slingback straps are a slightly different color. I suspect there is some overall fading of the shoes…perhaps they were once a light blue, instead of aqua.
Thanks for you comment!
I’m hooked on vintage and historical wear and a sucker for shoes!
There may be a slight difference in the weight of the fabric used in the body of the shoe and that of the ‘sling’, and/or the body of the shoe has been treated with a stiffening agent to help it maintain its shape, while the ‘sling’ is left softer, for comfort.
Either or both could affect the degree to which the original colour faded and thus the difference in shade seen here.
I would love to know more about this particular style slipper. I have an identical pair in bright pink/red. You can see a picture of them here. http://vintagevisions27.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-blog-for-new-year.html
-Emily
Emily’s Vintage Visions
Hi Emily,
Everything we know about these slippers we’ve shared in the post! Let us know if you are able to add any information.
Thanks!
I have a pair which I have owned for over 30 years now…mine are red.
If you would like a photo please let me know.