Medium: Velvet and grosgain

Date: c.1955

Country: USA

Credit: Gift of Mrs. Adrian McCardell

Sportswear designer Claire McCardell approached Capezio in the early 1940s, requesting that the company make shoes to match her dresses. The resulting “ballet flats” were immediately successful, in part because they were one of few shoe styles that was not rationed during World War II. Ballet flats are now a staple in many women’s wardrobes.

Object Number: 76.147.8