More On The New “Pemberley” Regency Shoes…

Though I gave a short introduction to the new Pemberley Regency Shoes last Friday, I thought they could use a little more “show and tell,” to update you all on what’s new and different about version 2 of this 1790s staple.

The new Pemberley was re-developed according to feedback from our lovely customers, with special attention paid to a few very important areas.

The biggest development was the Italian heel, a very specific kind of heel that became popular in the later 1770s and persisted through the turn of the 19th century. Italian heels are easily identified by the triangular “wedge” shape extending forward towards the toe, under the arch of the foot. The heights and shapes of Italian heels varied – in the 1770s they were quite tall and skinny, whereas they generally became shorter closer to 1800. Some were broad and some still skinny at this period, and eventually they would disappear altogether.

The Met, 1785-90

Manchester – see that heel shape?

The Met, 1790s – notice the triangle “wedge” under the arch of the foot

Pemberley’s Italian heel, with the triangular wedge and slightly curved neck of the heel – sturdy and elegant

A few more hallmarks for the new Pemberley – the vamp is quite high, and comes up higher on the foot than before, the toes are wonderfully pointed, and the leather soles are quite thick, making these great for outdoor events as well as indoor dances and teas.

High vamp and pointed toes

*Pemberley Regency Shoes are historically accurate for the late 1780s through about 1810.

*They’re dyeable white calfskin leather, lined in linen, with a pigskin leather insole and heel counter.

*The soles are leather, and the heel is 1 inch high. They’re well-suited for indoor and outdoor events both.

Pemberlies are on pre-order until July 25th, during which time you can reserve your pair and receive your choice of a discount, free stockings, or free make-your-own-shoe-clip hardware. Delivery is set for mid-August.