What is a Spectator Shoe?

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?

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