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"Stratford" Elizabethan Shoes - a collaboration by historical cordwainer Francis Classe and American Duchess |
Back in 2010, my now-husband Mr. C and I were both freelance creatives - I did illustration, and he did photographer. Not a whole lot was going on with, y'know, getting paid for those services, and the electricity was turned off more than once because we were struggling badly.
At the same time, I was costuming and blogging. Each time I finished a dress, I would stress over what shoes I was going to put with it, because nothing I had was really correct. I was worried about what others would say, and I personally felt that my hard work on the dress itself was tarnished by my poor shoe choices.
I thought that others were surely having this problem with shoes too, and wondered if I could find a way to get some made. So I started asking my blog followers what they thought, and looking for manufacturers, finally finding someone who would make these weird, old-fashioned shoes for a decent price.
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The original satin "Georgiana" from 2011 |
The day we opened the pre-order, I was gobsmacked by the response from the costuming community: through our own crowd-funding website, overnight we sold enough "Georgianas" to do the production run. By the end of the 3-week pre-order period, we'd sold 230 pairs. I remember thinking that first night, "this is what I'm going to do with my life now."
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Claremont, the "youngest" shoe we've made - from the 1930s |
From day one, the mission has always been the same: to design historically accurate shoes that are gorgeous, comfortable, and exactly what YOU want. Your shoes should make you feel glamorous and irreproachably correct in your period impression, while not inhibiting you from enjoying your events.
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The latest version of the dyeable "Georgiana," which has been improved in silhouette, materials, and durability. |
With Much Love and Gratitude,
What a great story! We are hoping to gain that kind of growth and popularity with our hats some day.
ReplyDeleteThis was very inspirational!
Thank you for sharing-
Pru
The Sisters Brimm
Thank you so much! Don't be afraid to "bare your soul" and talk about why you love making hats!
DeleteAs Pru rightly says, your story is an inspiration to us all. One day I hope to purchase some of your pretty shoes - I have to save hard for them (the postage costs to the UK are wickedly high). I love reading your blog posts, so funny and honest. Good luck with all you do!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! We're trying to come up with ways to reduce the horrid shipping and import duties to the UK and EU. Hopefully we'll crack that nut soon!
DeleteRealizing "wishing" doesn't pay your bills I just had to stop, read this blog post and comment on how proud I am of your journey (though I don't even know you). Also, to let you know if I were able I would own at least four to eight pair of American Duchess shoes IF I had a job. My closet would be chock full with: Gibson (all colors); Spectator T-Strap (every color I could get my paws on; Savoy Edwardians (black/gold), Tavistoy boot in black AND white.
ReplyDeleteEcstatically yours,
Lyric
http://www.sewlyricallyvintage.wordpress.com
Thank you so much! Your support means a lot to me!
DeleteI started reading your blog back in 2009 and I've watched with absolute joy how your business has grown! It's a delight to see a costumer peer be able to thrive doing what they love, and you have definitely filled a gap in the market!
ReplyDeleteLike others, I would have bought more of your shoes if I had the money to spend (import tax in Norway sadly adds almost a third of the original price (including shipping costs) on to the total, so it becomes even more expensive), but I indulged myself to a pair of your exquisite Tavistock button boots to go with my Victorian Steampunk wedding dress, and I absolutely adore them!
You have come such a long way, and I wish you all the best of luck for the future!