It's another pre-order day! I've been trying to go more towards "collections" for Summer and Fall and less all-over-the-place for introducing new shoes for you ladies. With that, I'd like to introduce two new styles for mid-Victorian - "Balmoral" and "Gettysburg" in blue/black.
The second style is totally new. They're "Balmoral" Civil War boots in black sateen foxed with black leather. They're a faithful reproduction of a very popular style from the 1860s - so popular that several museum collections have examples, and I even found and purchased two examples online within two weeks of each other. I talk about those original boots and our reproduction in this video:
Pretty as they are, the Balmoral boot for American women was "everyday" footwear. Fabric uppers (cotton, wool) with leather foxing were extremely common and worn for all kinds of outdoor activities, sporting, walking, even working. These would have been worn during the American Civil War by both Northern and Southern women.
Shoe Icons - sateen foxed in leather with metal grommets, stacked leather heel, and surviving rosette
Just for fun - a pair of bright red sateen and leather Balmoral boots - same design, but somebody was a bit saucy! Originally on eBay from johnsartifactorium - listing no longer available
I'm very proud of our Balmorals! There was quite a bit of back-and-forth with the workshop trying to get the details right, but in the end I feel the boots came out splendidly. For your quick-reference:
"Balmoral" Civil War Boots
Black cotton sateen foxed in black leather with a white stitch
Lace-up closure with metal grommets; 3 inch tongue
Leather soles and leather facing
White canvas lining and leather insole
Black stacked heel, 1.5 inch knock-on from an original 1860s shoe.
Pre-Order May 5 - 20 Free Stuff -or- a $10 Discount and Free Shipping in the USA www.AmericanDuchess.com
Oh these are darling. I am currently working on an Ingalls inspired dress from the "Dance at Grandpa's" chapter in Little House in the Big Woods and these boots might be the perfect finishing touch!
Are the Balmorals exclusives or are they going to be a part of the "regular line?" I've been eyeballing the Gettysburgs for a work boot but these would be wonderful for dressing up.
I really enjoyed your little video! Thanks for taking the time to shoot it - it was really interesting to see your research and process, and it was also super charming at the same time. It's obvious how excited and engaged you are. :-) Hope the boots do really well for you!
Oh these are darling. I am currently working on an Ingalls inspired dress from the "Dance at Grandpa's" chapter in Little House in the Big Woods and these boots might be the perfect finishing touch!
ReplyDeleteAre the Balmorals exclusives or are they going to be a part of the "regular line?" I've been eyeballing the Gettysburgs for a work boot but these would be wonderful for dressing up.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your little video! Thanks for taking the time to shoot it - it was really interesting to see your research and process, and it was also super charming at the same time. It's obvious how excited and engaged you are. :-) Hope the boots do really well for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat are the best women's work boots?
ReplyDelete