Some shoe development updates have been requested, and it being the beginning of sparkling new year, it’s the perfect time to share with you some of the things we have on the boil coming up for 2022.
Often with product development, it’s not a straight line and things get moved forward, pushed back, cancelled or deferred. We have a joke here at ADHQ that we seem to always miss the perfect timing, although much of it is beyond the control of small business these days with crazy freight delays, costs, factories closing down, materials being hard to get. But we carry on. All this being said – here’s a small selection of what we *intend* to do this year…
Some Gothy Goodness
Working title for this incredible repro is “1890s Witch Shoe.” Name suggestions are welcome!
More Vintage Options
This 1930s perforated nurse shoe is one of the first I ever bought for studying. Ten years later it’s finally getting made! Our won’t be an exact replica – we’re going for a lower heel and more rounded toe.
The return of one of my favorite vintage styles – Claremont. This is the original version from 2013 – the updated design has our refined ’30s heel and an adjustment to the leather and laces.
Returning From the Vault
Peggy 1940s Spectator Pumps will be making a comeback in a variety of new colors.
Who remembers these? They’re the “Antoinette” mules from 2013! The new version will have the new Pompadour heel and come in lots of fresh colors, which you’ll get to vote on soon.
New Classics
A simple and elegant mary jane style from the early 20th century. This design will come with the 3″ French heel seen here AND a short heel.
A very classic, elegant, plain lace-up oxford. This one is from the London College of Fashion shoe collection.
Collaborations
We have a couple very special, very fun design collaborations in the works with some of your favorite personalities.
New Colors
Londoner, Bernadette, and Gibson are coming in fresh new colors for 2022.
Wildcards
Edwardian Keds canvas and rubber tennis shoes – V&A c. 1905. This one is a bit of a “maybe” but we’ll see how the prototype works.
“Penelope” slippers inspired by Bridgerton. You may have seen the color poll for these – they’re going to be splendid indeed!
The famous Star Princess Camilles. Yes, they’re happening!
Is this all? No, not even close. We have so much cool stuff in the works, plus regular restocks of our most popular stuff like Tavistocks, Bernadettes, Astorias, Gibsons, Evelyns, and Claires. Additionally, all new pre-orders will be opening on the USA site and the European site at the same time.
Ahh! I’m vibrating with excitement!! The keds, the 30s shoes, the restocks, the collaborations!! Congratulations on 2021 and what looks to be an even more exciting 2022. Definitely looking forward to those perforated leather shoes and the canvas so I can wear them comfortably in the summer.
Approximately how long do I have so save up for this Peggy’s? (A month or two, or like this whole year?) If I have enough time to save up definitely going to try and get multiple colors.
Also any chance or restocks/new colors of Marilyn? Im would be very interested in a gray…;)
Lastly- any chance or more with the wedge heel from Harriet? She’s LITERALLY the most comfortable shoe ever so I would die to have another pair like her.
Again so so excited and thanks for sharing a sneak peak! Totally makes my day (and the shoes like they’re going to make my year…)
thanks! We don’t have a pre-order date set for the Peggy, but it will probably be in Summer. We do indeed have a new colorway coming for Marilyn too. As for wedges, they don’t seem to be too popular, but we’ve only done two styles on the wedge, so we may revisit the silhouette again. Possibly not this year, though.
Thank you for your reply! Summer should hopefully be enough for me to save up for both marilyns and peggys! Ty ty ty!
And all I can say about the wedges not being popular is these people don’t know what they’re missing! If you come out with another wedge I will 100 percent buy it guaranteed. (I believe I once saw a stripped and perforated wedge shoe on your podcast and just saying i would hit add to cart before I could blink, especially in the burgundy and green colors I glimpsed 👀 )
Gosh with these and the nurse shoes and special surprises I’m going to save up!! Happy 2022 to us all.
I saw the star princess boots and I thought “wow those are similar” but I didn’t think they’d be the actual shoes! Y’all should totally do a giveaway for those shoes so i actually have a chance of getting pair because there’s no way i’ll ever have enough money for that
It would be nice to have a 2 inch heel and more refinement on Claremont.
The Mary Janes need to be a bit more outstanding. The prototype shown is a bit ordinary and boring, not something I would buy. A French heel about 1.25 inch or so, thin, refined strap, and more colorways than black would be nice. I’m happy that it comes in two heel heights.
AD already had a ton of oxfords. I would rather buy some 20s, 30s, and 40s shoes that are not oxfords.
Can’t wait for Penelope! I’m hoping for a slender-looking shoe with an option for laces.
I hope the shoes won’t cost too much so I can buy more than one pair!
I would also appreciate it if the color polls were e-mailed, and hooray for blog posts on shoe designs! It’s great to see more late 19thc. and vintage shoes.
Thanks for the suggestions! I spec’d the nurse shoe to use the 1.6 inch heel, same as Claire. It’s a beautiful heel and not too high.
We have a lot of styles in the works, more than I shared here. I think you’ll be happy with what we have planned this year. 😉
+JMJ+
Ooh, I can’t wait to see the finished nurse shoe!!
Maybe a buckle on a thin strap would be good for the Mary Janes. I’m so excited about all the new styles!!
The 1890s Witch Shoe should absolutely be named the Elspeth! It’s evocative of witchy vibes, and a suitably vintage name. (Also I must have a pair. Even though I already have a pair of black Londoners and black Astorias.)
And is the princess camille named after princess camille from nemo adventure in slumber land…or the actual princess…and also is it a sailor moon style??
Or is it a historical style? Im loving it regardless
thanks! the star princess camilles are inspired by Phantom of the Opera, but they works for so many things – Sailor Moon, historical Cinderella, fantasy, super heroines, Frozen, vaudeville, circus. The best part is that they ARE historically accurate with that metallic leather!
They were worn as Summer shoes and advertised as being lighter weight and cooler than their leather counterparts. They weren’t worn just for sports, but as a general casual Summer shoe. You could also get them as boots!
I shall be second in line for the 1890s witch shoe ( Endora?)-that shoe would be just lovely in black satin for an Edwardian evening shoe (perhaps with diamante buttons)- I would buy them in leather & satin.
I think the low heel like the Dunmore for the Mary Jane would work nicely or Louis heel on the Londoner. I like the button (no buckles) as well, less fussy. I have a very worn, much loved pair of black, low-psuedo Louis heeled Mary Janes that Nine West put out in the late 1980s and I would love to have a replacement for them. And I hope the Claremont color ways survey results include the grey suede…love love that.
Name suggestion for the 1890s witch shoe: Anathema. Named for Anathema Device from Good Omens, she is a modern witch with serious 1890s vibes (bike, an 1890s style cycling coat, and a mid-1890s shirtwaist in modern fabric).
I feel like the 1890s witchy shoes could be named Margaret after Margaret Hamilton, the actress who played arguably the most iconic witch of all time as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. After all, those leg of mutton sleeves!
It’s been so exciting watching these beautiful shoes move from the planning stages to reality in your shop!
Would it be possible to get an update on the Edwardian Keds? I remember you’ve described them as a “maybe,” so possibly they didn’t pan out – but any news would be wonderful!
On a larger scale, it would be fascinating to learn about the journey an idea takes from ‘wildcard’ to ‘greenlight’, including the snags that crop up along the way.
Many thanks for all of the lovely shows – my Cambridge boots arrived yesterday evening (a whole 24 hours early!!!) and I’m anxiously waiting for their non-slip protective rubber pads to finish curing, so that I can take them out on adventures!
Will the Claremonts come in black? Any word on when Claremonts & Londoners will be up for preorder, & what colors they’ll be coming in? Debating between black Karolinas & black Claremonts to replace my now too-high-for-me black booties. Thank you so much for making so many good, good shoes!
32 Comments
Lorri
January 6, 2022 at 2:10 PMName suggestion: Witch Hazel 😀
MARTI S STERIN
January 6, 2022 at 2:19 PMHow high is the heel on the witch shoe and do I really need another pair of black heels?
Kelly
January 6, 2022 at 4:45 PMAhh! I’m vibrating with excitement!! The keds, the 30s shoes, the restocks, the collaborations!! Congratulations on 2021 and what looks to be an even more exciting 2022. Definitely looking forward to those perforated leather shoes and the canvas so I can wear them comfortably in the summer.
Approximately how long do I have so save up for this Peggy’s? (A month or two, or like this whole year?) If I have enough time to save up definitely going to try and get multiple colors.
Also any chance or restocks/new colors of Marilyn? Im would be very interested in a gray…;)
Lastly- any chance or more with the wedge heel from Harriet? She’s LITERALLY the most comfortable shoe ever so I would die to have another pair like her.
Again so so excited and thanks for sharing a sneak peak! Totally makes my day (and the shoes like they’re going to make my year…)
Lauren @ American Duchess
January 10, 2022 at 10:29 AMthanks! We don’t have a pre-order date set for the Peggy, but it will probably be in Summer. We do indeed have a new colorway coming for Marilyn too. As for wedges, they don’t seem to be too popular, but we’ve only done two styles on the wedge, so we may revisit the silhouette again. Possibly not this year, though.
Kelly
January 10, 2022 at 4:23 PMThank you for your reply! Summer should hopefully be enough for me to save up for both marilyns and peggys! Ty ty ty!
And all I can say about the wedges not being popular is these people don’t know what they’re missing! If you come out with another wedge I will 100 percent buy it guaranteed. (I believe I once saw a stripped and perforated wedge shoe on your podcast and just saying i would hit add to cart before I could blink, especially in the burgundy and green colors I glimpsed 👀 )
Gosh with these and the nurse shoes and special surprises I’m going to save up!! Happy 2022 to us all.
Lauren @ American Duchess
January 10, 2022 at 10:29 AMThe heel is 2.25 inches and very well-balanced.
Karin McKechnie-Lid
January 7, 2022 at 10:09 AM“Morticia” for the witch shoes! I’ll be first in line for those…Gorgeous <3
Bethany
January 7, 2022 at 11:44 AMI saw the star princess boots and I thought “wow those are similar” but I didn’t think they’d be the actual shoes! Y’all should totally do a giveaway for those shoes so i actually have a chance of getting pair because there’s no way i’ll ever have enough money for that
Shan
January 7, 2022 at 12:24 PMFor the witchy shoe – Elphaba
Mary
January 7, 2022 at 1:17 PMWitchy 1890s shoes: Minerva 😁
Lauren @ American Duchess
January 10, 2022 at 10:27 AMooo good name! this is going to be hard!
Alice
January 8, 2022 at 1:36 PM+JMJ+
Name the 1890s shoe Jenny!
Maybe a 1 inch or so heel on the nurse shoe.
It would be nice to have a 2 inch heel and more refinement on Claremont.
The Mary Janes need to be a bit more outstanding. The prototype shown is a bit ordinary and boring, not something I would buy. A French heel about 1.25 inch or so, thin, refined strap, and more colorways than black would be nice. I’m happy that it comes in two heel heights.
AD already had a ton of oxfords. I would rather buy some 20s, 30s, and 40s shoes that are not oxfords.
Can’t wait for Penelope! I’m hoping for a slender-looking shoe with an option for laces.
I hope the shoes won’t cost too much so I can buy more than one pair!
I would also appreciate it if the color polls were e-mailed, and hooray for blog posts on shoe designs! It’s great to see more late 19thc. and vintage shoes.
Lauren @ American Duchess
January 10, 2022 at 10:27 AMThanks for the suggestions! I spec’d the nurse shoe to use the 1.6 inch heel, same as Claire. It’s a beautiful heel and not too high.
We have a lot of styles in the works, more than I shared here. I think you’ll be happy with what we have planned this year. 😉
Alice
January 11, 2022 at 10:53 AM+JMJ+
Ooh, I can’t wait to see the finished nurse shoe!!
Maybe a buckle on a thin strap would be good for the Mary Janes. I’m so excited about all the new styles!!
Alice
January 17, 2022 at 3:07 PM+JMJ+
Forgot to add that buckle could be adjustable.
Alice
January 8, 2022 at 1:43 PM+JMJ+
Can’t wait to see the collaborations!
I like the look of the newer Gibsons.
JeanneS
January 9, 2022 at 9:09 PMThe 1890s Witch Shoe should absolutely be named the Elspeth! It’s evocative of witchy vibes, and a suitably vintage name. (Also I must have a pair. Even though I already have a pair of black Londoners and black Astorias.)
Lauren @ American Duchess
January 10, 2022 at 10:25 AMooo I like that name too!
Sam B
January 10, 2022 at 9:41 AMThrilled to see the return of the Antoinettes!!! Those are already on my wish-list.
I think the 1890’s witch should be called “Agatha”, all along (ha!)
Lauren @ American Duchess
January 10, 2022 at 10:25 AMgreat suggestion!
Dana martin
January 12, 2022 at 3:28 PMExcited for the antoinettes
And is the princess camille named after princess camille from nemo adventure in slumber land…or the actual princess…and also is it a sailor moon style??
Or is it a historical style? Im loving it regardless
Lauren @ American Duchess
February 9, 2022 at 2:28 PMthanks! the star princess camilles are inspired by Phantom of the Opera, but they works for so many things – Sailor Moon, historical Cinderella, fantasy, super heroines, Frozen, vaudeville, circus. The best part is that they ARE historically accurate with that metallic leather!
Marti S
January 10, 2022 at 2:46 PMWhere would the Keds have been worn? I haven’t been able to find any photos but somehow I MUST have them!
Lauren @ American Duchess
February 9, 2022 at 2:30 PMThey were worn as Summer shoes and advertised as being lighter weight and cooler than their leather counterparts. They weren’t worn just for sports, but as a general casual Summer shoe. You could also get them as boots!
Carol B
January 11, 2022 at 3:46 PMI shall be second in line for the 1890s witch shoe ( Endora?)-that shoe would be just lovely in black satin for an Edwardian evening shoe (perhaps with diamante buttons)- I would buy them in leather & satin.
Anna
January 17, 2022 at 5:46 AMI think the low heel like the Dunmore for the Mary Jane would work nicely or Louis heel on the Londoner. I like the button (no buckles) as well, less fussy. I have a very worn, much loved pair of black, low-psuedo Louis heeled Mary Janes that Nine West put out in the late 1980s and I would love to have a replacement for them. And I hope the Claremont color ways survey results include the grey suede…love love that.
Hannah
January 28, 2022 at 5:28 PMName suggestion for the 1890s witch shoe: Anathema. Named for Anathema Device from Good Omens, she is a modern witch with serious 1890s vibes (bike, an 1890s style cycling coat, and a mid-1890s shirtwaist in modern fabric).
Lacy
March 12, 2022 at 9:02 PMI feel like the 1890s witchy shoes could be named Margaret after Margaret Hamilton, the actress who played arguably the most iconic witch of all time as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. After all, those leg of mutton sleeves!
Caroline
April 21, 2022 at 6:12 AMIt’s been so exciting watching these beautiful shoes move from the planning stages to reality in your shop!
Would it be possible to get an update on the Edwardian Keds? I remember you’ve described them as a “maybe,” so possibly they didn’t pan out – but any news would be wonderful!
On a larger scale, it would be fascinating to learn about the journey an idea takes from ‘wildcard’ to ‘greenlight’, including the snags that crop up along the way.
Many thanks for all of the lovely shows – my Cambridge boots arrived yesterday evening (a whole 24 hours early!!!) and I’m anxiously waiting for their non-slip protective rubber pads to finish curing, so that I can take them out on adventures!
-CR
Lauren @ American Duchess
May 4, 2022 at 12:02 PMSure! We are indeed working on the “Kedwardians” still and they’ll be out later this year. 🙂
Valerie
May 13, 2022 at 3:23 PMWill the Claremonts come in black? Any word on when Claremonts & Londoners will be up for preorder, & what colors they’ll be coming in? Debating between black Karolinas & black Claremonts to replace my now too-high-for-me black booties. Thank you so much for making so many good, good shoes!
Lauren @ American Duchess
May 16, 2022 at 12:17 PMYes, Claremonts will be coming up in the next pre-order in June! They’ll be in black, brown, burgundy, and navy.