Peter Fox Shoes

1980's Flashback...Bridal styles of the 80's

2012-02-18T22:49:00.002-05:00

We were looking through some of our older magazine editorials the other day and it struck us at how different wedding styles are now than they were in the 80's.
When Peter Fox started doing shoes in 1982 it was the Reagan Era, Dynasty was a top TV show and women were power dressing. Excess was in and shoulders were large. This also applied to wedding styles, dresses had so many "over the top" details. Big shoulders, "Leg of mutton" sleeves, lots of lace and big wreath-like headpieces. Brides wore white stockings often in lace patterns and shoes were much heavier and heels were lower. The most famous bride of the decade, Princess Diana, epitomized this style with her huge ruffled dress and long train.

Here are a few pictures from our archives, the first three feature earlier Peter Fox Shoes, the rest are just fun to look at.

Princess Diana

The iconic Billy Idol White Wedding Album cover

Luke and Laura from General Hospital, One of the most
watched TV Weddings

Swimming Shoes

2012-01-19T09:52:00.001-05:00

Recently we were lucky enough to visit the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. Their current
exhibit is wonderfully titled "The Roaring Twenties: Heels, Hemlines and High Spirits"

It featured beautiful flapper dresses, bejeweled heels and interesting stories from that era.
One interesting style of shoe that really stood out was this "Swimming Shoe"

Swimming shoes, made by Philips
English, late 1920s
The 1920s saw increasing numbers of women participating and excelling at sports. The sporting accomplishments of women, such as Suzanne Lenglen’s stunning tennis game and Gertrude Ederle’s record breaking swim across the English Channel were celebrated and inspired many women to take up a sport. Each sport required its own specialized footwear including swimming. This pair of red rubber, “silver wing” bathing shoes would have been worn by a swimmer in pursuit of both fashion and fun at the end of the 20s.
Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum
Photo credit: 2011 Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto, Canada.

Our own photo

What a stylish way to go swimming.... they even have wings! This style would not look out of place in current times as a street shoe, wings and all.

The Roaring twenties exhibit is on until June 2012, I'll post more pictures soon.
http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/exhibitions/roaring20s/index.shtml

Vintage Peter Fox Shoes

2012-01-11T19:37:00.000-05:00

These fanciful shoes are circa 1995 and were inspired by stained glass windows. They are made of Italian silk and feature a 1940's style heel.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!

2011-12-25T23:43:00.000-05:00

What is a Mary-Jane Shoe?

2011-11-09T17:22:00.000-05:00

We hear the term “Mary-Jane shoe” often…but what is it exactly and where did the name come from?

According to Wikipedia:

“Mary Jane is an American term (formerly trademarked) for a kind of strap shoe or sandal that typically has low heels, broad and rounded closed toes, and a single-buckle strap across the instep and/or around the ankle. They are traditionally made of black patent leather, although some current incarnations can be in a wide array of colors and leathers.

Mary Jane was a character created by Richard Outcault for his comic strip, Buster Brown, which was first published in 1902. She was the sister of the title character, Buster Brown.

In 1904, Outcault traveled to the St. Louis World's Fair and sold licenses to up to 200 companies to use the Buster Brown characters to advertise their products. Among them was the Brown Shoe Company, who later hired actors to tour the country, performing as the Buster Brown characters in theaters and stores. This strategy helped the Brown Shoe Company become the most prominently associated brand with the Buster Brown characters. The style of shoe both Buster Brown and Mary Jane wore came to be known by her name, Mary Jane.”

At Peter Fox Shoes we design many of our shoes with Mary-Jane straps. Besides providing comfort and security, this style is an attractive method of solving a lot of fit issues. For example, if a woman has a wider foot with narrower heel, it will keep the foot from lifting out of the shoe. If a woman has a low arch, it will keep the shoes from gaping in the middle of the foot.

Mary-Jane’s are also wonderful for Brides. They provide security for outdoor weddings where the ground can often be uneven. They are also perfect for dancing since you don’t have to worry about your shoes coming off. (Especially if trying to navigate a dress with a big train or skirt).

The Mary-Jane style is a classic…we don’t think it will ever go out of style.

A New Way to Wear Dyed Silk Shoes

2011-09-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

We really liked the outfit that Actress Kaley Cuoco (From the show "Big Bang Theory") wore to the 2011 Emmy awards. It was a simple one-shouldered black dress with a "tea length" hem with very high red satin shoes and a matching evening bag.

She looked fresh and modern, yet with a "retro twist" and stood out among the many more traditional evening gowns. A great way to add a pop of color to a black dress and show a bit of self-expression. Silk-satin shoes don't have to be thought of only as old fashioned "dyed to match" anymore....have some fun with color and perk up any outfit.

All Peter Fox Silk-satin shoes are dyeable, see link below:

Peter Fox Silk Shoe Collection

Size 11 and 12 Women's Shoes

2011-08-24T12:58:00.000-04:00

We have been offering size 11 and 11 1/2 shoes for many years and have now added size 12 to our size range.

A majority of companies only go to size 10, leaving many women with not much choice in their shoe shopping. We have had numerous customer requests over the years and have worked with our factory in Italy to create size 11 1/2 and 12 “lasts” that will still look proportional. This means that the proportions of a size 7 shoe and a size 12 style will look the same. (Instead of the shoe just being made longer).

Please check our website for size 12’s….we will also be adding sizes in our new re-orders. Sizes of existing style can also be special ordered. Please contact us on the link below for ordering info.
http://www.peterfox.com/contact-us.aspx

The Beauty of Shoe Clips

2011-07-12T20:17:00.000-04:00

We have recently added a line of hand-made shoe clips to our website. They include wonderful elements such as vintage silk and organza ribbons, Swarovski crystals and glass pearl embellishments.The collection is great for Eveningwear, Brides and Bridesmaids or anyone who wants to add some decoration to a simple shoe.

Shoe clips are a wonderful way for a Bride to add some individuality or a touch of “something blue” or a bit of glitz to her shoes. They can also add uniformity to bridesmaid’s shoes, especially if they can’t all wear the same style. There are some really sweet pink and blue bows that are perfect for a flower girl.

Shoe clips can also go from day to night….not everyone has the luxury of owning a lot of different evening or formal shoes. Dress up a pair of simple shoes for a formal event. Or wear your plain office shoes to work, add some fun clips, and you are all set for a night out! They can even be used on hats or jackets….they are such a fun and inexpensive accessory. Shoe clips make a wonderful gift for all shoe lovers!

Click on the link below to go to our shoe clip page

Shoe Clips

How To Care For Nubuck Leather

2011-05-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

Nubuck is leather that has been sanded or buffed to give a short nap, producing a velvet-like surface. It is resistant to wear, and can be dyed any color.

Black Nubuck "Sabrina"

Nubuck is similar to suede, which is made from the inner side of a hide, whereas nubuck is created from the outer side of a hide, giving it more strength and thickness along with a fine grain. It is usually more expensive than suede, and is dyed to cover up the sanding and stamping process. While very soft and durable, it does scratch easily.

Follow these steps to insure your nubuck shoes stay beautiful:

1) A bit of preventive maintenance goes a long way. Spray your shoes with a protective spray made especially for nubuck and suede. This process should be repeated regularly.

2) If your shoes get wet, let them sit and dry thoroughly. The nubuck might seem a bit hard, but the nap can be brushed with a special nubuck brush to soften the leather and remove any surface dirt.

3) If you get marks on lighter colors, a nubuck “stone” or “eraser can be used to gently rub the marks. This is a great product and can be purchased at most shoe repair shops.

4) Nubuck can be cleaned. Special cleaners are available, but if you don’t feel comfortable cleaning them yourself; a good sho repair shop can make your shoes look like new.

Nubuck is a beautiful, soft but strong leather…...a bit of care will ensure

years of wear!

1970's Vintage Peter Fox Platforms

2011-04-28T17:06:00.000-04:00

‎1970's flashback......
Peter Fox, Stained Glass Effect Platform Boots (c. 1973), [Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver BC May 14-Sep 26]

What is a D'orsay Shoe?

2011-04-20T21:00:00.001-04:00

Many shoes are described as d’orsay pumps, but what does that expression mean and where did the name come from?

It generally refers to a pump style shoe in which the vamp is cut away on the sides, showing the arch and the side of the foot. The heels can be high or low, but usually it has a closed heel-back and toe. Some shoe manufacturers will even include a hidden elastic inside the heel back which will help the shoe stay on the foot, especially for women with narrow heels.

It is widely thought that this shoe style is named after the French noble artist, painter and sculptor Count D’orsay in the 19^th century. He was known for his charm and style in both fashion and art. At this time both men and women wore pump style shoes that often didn’t fit and gaped on the sides. Being a style-setter and all around fashion dandy, he had the idea to cut out the sides of the shoes so that they would fit better.

Today the D’orsay shoe is considered a classic style that is both flattering and elegant. Leaving the arch of the foot exposed and often giving a peek of “toe cleavage”, it is also thought of as a very sexy shoe style, especially in a high heel. This style flatters most feet and elongates the leg for short skirts and eveningwear and even Bridal shoes.

Wedding Shoe Traditions

2011-04-06T17:40:00.002-04:00

There are so many interesting Wedding traditions around the world, and many of them involve shoes!
From the website "All About Shoes":

Happily Ever After

Today, the image of shoes tied to the bumper of a car is an icon meaning “just married.” These shoes are considered to be a symbol of good luck. The origins of this practice have been obscured through time. More than 100 years ago, it was traditional in the West to hurl shoes at the departing couple. The throwing of shoes may have initially been a form of protest that a bride was being taken away. Over time, the tradition may have been modified to the tying of the shoes to the bumper.

Read more about Wedding Shoe traditions on the link below

http://www.allaboutshoes.ca/en/perfect_pair/index.php?target_table=perfect_pair

Five Wedding Trends for 2011

2011-03-20T15:11:00.002-04:00

According to website thebeautybridal.com, there are some distinctive wedding trends this year.
Five of our favorites are:

Vintage Touches
This includes beautiful textures, ornate details, natural settings and vintage inspired photos.

Eco-Friendly Weddings

Recycled paper invitations, food from local farmers and sources, and charity donations.

Modern Choices
Brides are opting for non-traditional choices in dresses, colors, decor and locations.

DIY Weddings
"Do it Yourself" is a big trend, this creates something special with personalized touches.

Social Media Influence
Facebook and Twitter will continue to be a big part of the wedding process, keeping guests informed and updated.

The vintage trend is of course our favorite (which we think Peter Fox Shoes are perfect for). But we also love the movement towards individuality, being able to express our diverse tastes and styles.

Read the full article on the link below
http://thebeautybridal.com/442/five-hot-wedding-trends-for-2011.html

Visit the Bata Shoe Museum

2011-03-03T23:28:00.001-05:00

If you love shoes and happen to be in Toronto, Canada...add the Bata Shoe Museum to your list of "must-see" visits.

They have an incredible collection of shoes through the ages and many special exhibitions and programs (and a wonderful gift shop with many shoe related items!).

From their website:

Welcome to the Bata Shoe Museum

Discover the treasures of North America's charming and surprising shoe museum. Hundreds of shoes (from a collection numbering over 10,000) are on exhibit in architect Raymond Moriyama's award-winning four-storey structure.

The Museum celebrates the style and function of footwear in four impressive galleries. Footwear on display ranges from Chinese bound foot shoes and ancient Egyptian sandals to chestnut-crushing clogs and glamourous platforms. Over 4,500 years of history and a collection of 20th-century celebrity shoes are reflected in the semi-permanent exhibition, All About Shoes. Three other galleries feature changing exhibitions, so there's always something new to see.

We welcome guided group tours and school visits as well as individual visitors.
Visit their Website
http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/index.html

Soles4Souls | A Shoe Charity Recycling Shoes For People In Need

2011-02-02T15:29:00.001-05:00

Soles4Souls | A Shoe Charity Recycling Shoes For People In Need

If you've been trying to figure out what to do with you old shoes, then click on the above link to read about a wonderful organization called "Soles 4 Souls"

They accept donations of used shoes, then clean and distribute them to people in need around the world. They have sent shoes to over 125 countries in the world and their goal it to collect 11 million pairs of shoes in 2011.
Not only are they charitable, they are "green" also; it's estimated that Americans discard over 300 million pairs of shoes that break down and can become toxic in our landfills.

Please help them in their mission: "Changing the world one pair at a time"

What is a Shoe "Last"?

2011-01-14T21:03:00.002-05:00

A “last” is the mold or form over which the shoe is shaped during manufacturing. It is one of the most important components in shoe making; it determines the width, heel height, size and toe shape.

When shoes used to be made by hand one by one, lasts were hand-carved out of wood or sometimes made of iron. Modern lasts are now made of durable high-density plastic that will withstand the wear and tear of mass production.

Many design variations can be made with one last, details such as straps and embellishments can change, but the toe shape and heel height will always be the same.

Peter Fox Shoes are made with lasts that have been designed and manufactured for us according to our specifications. Characteristics include wider toe boxes (even with the pointy toes), arches that hug the foot and heels that are placed under the natural heel for better balance.

This close attention to the anatomy and detail of the foot is the reason Peter Fox Shoes fit so well and are so comfortable.

Share your Peter Fox Shoes pictures

2010-11-29T20:49:00.002-05:00

Do you have a great picture of yourself wearing Peter Fox Shoes?

We are working on a "Gallery" page for our website and would love to see pictures of you wearing your Peter Fox Shoes. They can be from past or present, your Wedding or everyday (especially if you are wearing a fabulous outfit!) We can use your name if you would like....or you can be anonymous also. Some of the best shots can be just of the feet!
All submissions will be entered in a weekly raffle to win one our cute shoe bags.
Please send photos to the link below
info@peterfox.com
Photo from Modern Bride (model is wearing the "Britta")

Dyeing Silk Shoes

2010-11-03T19:10:00.004-04:00

Dyeing Silk Shoes

All of our silk-satin shoes are dyeable to any color. Our in-house dye service will custom-mix all of the colors to match your fabric swatch. It is a process that involves mixing colors to get the right shade and adding a diluting solution to make it lighter or darker. (It doesn’t affect the size at all.)

Some colors can be quite easy to mix, and others can be quite difficult. We mix the color and then test it on fabric swatches until it’s right. (No matter how long it takes!)

Lighting can affect the color immensely; daylight tends to wash out colors and evening light tends to add yellow tones to a color. That’s why it’s so important to let your dyer know what lighting situation you will be in.

If you are wearing the shoes on a rainy day, we recommend you wear another pair of shoes until you get inside. Although the dye will not run off, it might water- stain a bit. Silk shoes can be waterproofed with a fabric protecting spray, but we don’t recommend it since it seals the fabric and the shoes cannot be re-dyed. If they get a bit dirty during the wedding or event, the shoes can always be dyed a darker color later. Most of our customers end up having the shoes dyed black; it’s always great to have a classic pair of evening shoes in your wardrobe.

Have fun with the shoe color, whether you decide to match a gorgeous gown color or go with a contrasting tone…color can add just the right touch. Many brides opt for pinks, blues, silver and gold shades or reds. It’s a great way to express your individuality and wear a pair of shoes that are unique to your own style.

Click the link to our “Gallery” page to see shoes we have dyed.
Pictured above is style "Annabel" dyed red, even the ornament is dyeable.

What is a Spectator Shoe?

2010-10-16T22:42:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard the term “Spectator Shoe” and have not been quite sure what it means?

A spectator is known is a women’s shoe that comes in a two-tone color. Most often seen in black and white or brown and white combinations, it is generally a summer shoe and often has ventilation or decorative perforations or cuts. Often the accent color is on the heel and toe-cap and has a crisp, clean look.

They originated in the 1800’s to take the place of spats, whose original purpose was to protect shoes and clothing from dirt and grass stains. In the 1920’s they were popularized by the Prince of Wales who often wore them to play golf and to sporting events. Coco Chanel was inspired by the crisp, clean lines and menswear feel in the 1950’s. The 1980’s again saw a revival of the spectator style and now they are often associated with 1930’s swing style and worn by urban hipsters for a retro- vintage look.

We here at Peter Fox love Spectator shoes and have produced many variations and color combos over the years. They have an amazing way of pulling even the simplest outfit together and always look fresh and modern.

What is a Louis heel?

2010-09-17T17:14:00.007-04:00

What’s a “Louis” heel?

Many of the shoes in the Peter Fox collection have “Louis” heels, (pronounced like Louie). We love the sculptural curve of the heel and their “artful” quality. They are elegant and have a timelessness that can have many fashion lives…they never seem to go out of style.

The name and style originated in the seventeenth century with King Louis XIV. As he was only five foot three inches tall, he commissioned heels to be made for him to increase his height. Nobody was allowed to have heels higher than his own. He declared that only nobility could wear red shoes and his shoes were often decorated with battle scenes. They eventually became popular with ladies, especially King Louis’ mistress, Madame Pompadour.

In the late 1700’s Napoleon banished high heels in an attempt to show equality. High heels were associated with opulence and wealth, which was to be avoided at the time. Despite the law, Marie Antoinette went to the guillotine defiantly in two inch heels.

Today the “Louis” term refers to heels with a concave curve and outward taper at the bottom or base of the heel. They are also very ergonomic as the heel is placed directly under the natural heel of the foot, thus creating balance and even distribution of weight which helps keep the back and legs aligned. They are very useful for outdoor wear and weddings in particular, as the heels won’t sink into the ground as they would with a stiletto heel.

We think the Louis heel is a classic example of form and function at its best!

Also known as: French heels, Pompadour heels, curved heels