liat levy azranApril 29, 2018

THE MULE - A SHOE JOURNEY

liat levy azranApril 29, 2018

From the boudoir to the runway...

The evolution of the seductive slip-on, from the courts of Marie Antoinette to the catwalk and street style in 2018.

The mule is a staple for many seasons especially on spring time. The origins of the word mule lie in Ancient Rome, where it was mulleus calceus (a red or purple shoe worn by the three highest magistrates), but the contemporary appropriation refers to a shoe that is backless and usually closed-toed style of any height. Originally worn within the bedroom, but got their first outing when Comtesse d'Olonne, wore them to church in 1694. They went on to become popular within the French Court, both Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette donning variations throughout the eighteenth century.

The high heel variation was a popular indoor shoe style of the 18th century. The shoe style was considered somewhat trashy until it resurfaced as a trend once again in the 1950’s. Marilyn Monroe could take credit for making mules popular again- she was one of the most notorious woman who wore them.

Like their 18th century counterparts, 1950’s mules were all about form over function. A bare ankle paired with a thin, tall heel was a glamorous look, but made the shoes very difficult to walk in. What was convenient about the mules design however, was how easily they could be taken off. As a result, they were frequently advertised as “boudoir shoes.”

In the 1980’s, Manolo Blahnik brought the mule back once again. While many had become disillusioned with the impractical silhouette, Blahnik adored it.

“In the eighties I did nothing but mules,” he said, continuing, “When you walk in mules, you walk a bit differently…Madame De Pompadoue in her mules walking around Versailles, click, click, click…can you think of anything more exquisite?”

Blahnik’s customers certainly could not- his designs were successful, and in fact, he is strongly associated with the mule silhouette more than any other designer.

During the 90’s and early 2000’s, mules fell largely out of fashion, replaced briefly by clogs. These were decidedly less glamorous, albeit slightly more practical. Closed shoes became the norm , when the style returned to the runways and street style over and over again.

Satin styles or look ahead to spring’s bloom with a pastel palette; options from Stuart Weizmann, celine, Tibi, Attico and others explore the spectrum in soft suede and patent leathers. If color isn’t your thing, go for the white-shoe trend, which complements practically any look, from pantsuits to denim or dresses.

So, you can wear them heeled or flat, closed or open toed.... Whatever you choose it is obvious that the Mule is the shoe of the season from street style, blogs to fashion house runway. i

I hope you have at least one pair, if you don't get inspired and choose your favorite style!