We’re terrifically excited to announce our latest collaboration collection: introducing Heroines by Elena Kanagy-Loux!
From May 16-June 1, we’re proud to offer three brand-new styles for 15% off each pair: the Isabella Venetian Chopines, Artemisia Pre-Raphaelite Shoes, and Adelaide Latchet Shoes. We’re also offering 15% off the new Pearl Buckles intended to go with the Adelaide Shoes!
If you’re not familiar Elena Kanagy-Loux (@erenanaomi on Instagram) is a historian, a lacemaker, a PhD student, a maker, co-founder of the Brooklyn Lace Guild, a teacher, and a costumer. She’s a Renaissance Woman, if you will (see what we did there?). It has been a dream to work with Elena on her own collaboration footwear collection! Elena’s work and personal style has been endlessly inspiring to us, and when we had the opportunity to work together on a collection, we all jumped at the chance. Together, we’ve created three styles that cross boundaries between the historical and the fantastical, with dreamy details and magical touches. Without further ado, let’s meet these terrific new shoes (plus new buckles!) .
Adelaide Latchet Shoes
To say that we are obsessed with these darling little latchet shoes would be an understatement. These 18th-century inspired beauties are so shapely, so cute, and so evocative!
100% cotton uppers feature a pink floral print with either charcoal or white grounding. A brand-new, super-curvy, cotton canvas-covered 3.5″/7.9 cm French heel makes for a delicious silhouette. The heel and twill tape trim are made in coordinating colors (dark charcoal and pink), setting off the floral fabric beautifully. Lined with cotton canvas and finished with a quality rubber sole, Adelaide is entirely leather-free. Adelaide’s 1.10″/28 mm, fully functional floral latchets look especially darling when fastened with matching Pearl Buckles.
The name ‘Adelaide’ comes from Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, a trailblazing and inspirational portrait artist from France. As one of the first women to gain entry to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, she advocated for women in the art world and pushed for better and more training opportunities for women artists. Labille-Guiard had a special talent for incorporating the latest fashions into her portraits, and was especially skilled at painting clothing in a way that highlighted the details of an ensemble. We encourage anyone who is interested in the 18th century, fashion, art, and/or feminism to look into the life of Labille-Guiard more!
Pearl Buckles
What would a fantastical 18th-century inspired latchet shoe be without a gorgeous new buckle to go with it? Inspired by feminine luxury, 18th-century maximalism, Edwardian 18th-century revival, and Elena’s personal style, the Pearl Buckles are like nothing you’ve seen before. These fully functional latchet buckles are the perfect way to add shimmer and sparkle to your Adelaides (or to any American Duchess latchet shoe).
Pearl is made from solid-cast, powder coated metal with an antique gold finish. These buckles are fully encrusted with high-quality, acrylic half-dome pearls set into an elegant rectangular frame. Pearl is completed with a darling ornamental bow offset from the frame, with clear, high-grade glass rhinestones inset on the loops and tails. These adorable buckles are sure to garner comments of “Where did you get those?” from passers-by!
Isabella Venetian Chopine
For years, we have had chopines on our radar. People have asked us about them many times over the years. Designing a chopine with modern manufacturing was, to put it simply, complex. But along with Elena, we just knew we had to give it a try. In the end, we developed a stunning Venetian chopine. Based on period originals (more to come on that in subsequent posts), these ivory leather chopines feature an intricate laser-cut lace motif derived from the work of Italian Renaissance-era artist Isabella Catanea Parasole (more on Parasole coming in a later blog post). Accurate to the 16th century, Isabella is built on a custom, 4.5″/ 11.45 cm platform base that grades down to 2.5″/6.35 cm at the front of the shoe. The rear heel has been specially developed for added stability. Isabella features treaded rubber soles for safety.
Because of their specialty fit, Isabella is available in whole sizes only. This mule-style shoe is designed to fit closely, for security when worn. Those with wider feet or desiring extra room should order up one size. Please note that chopines should be worn with care, and exercise caution when walking long distances.
Artemisia Pre-Raphaelite Shoes
Looking for a shoe to pair with Aesthetic-dress costume? Are you in need of a sleek and reliable shoe for your faire ensemble? Or perhaps, you’ve always wanted to look like you just stepped out of a Rossetti painting? The Artemesia Pre-Raphaelite Shoes are simultaneously the perfect Italian Rennaisance shoe, fit for specialty Victorian costumes, and work for medieval as well. How’s that for versatility?
Rich colored suede Artemisias come in colors derived directly from Pre-Raphaelite works of art, and of course, we’re offering classic smooth leather in black. Inspired by Elena’s magical touch, we’re also made a special version in fantasy-worthy opalescent leather for a truly show-stopping look.
These shoes are wonderfully soft and flexible with soft leather or suede uppers and a smooth leather lining. Open sides form attractively around the foot, and the shaped tab closure laces with a complimentary petersham ribbon. Bedeck yours with decorative shoe clips or wear as-is. Practical, 0.5″/ 1.27 cm spring heels with sealed leather soles are as comfortable as can be.
You might have already gathered that these shoes are named for the artist Artemisia Gentileschi, of course. Artemisia Gentileschi was an incredibly talented Italian Baroque/Renaissance painter who navigated a successful art career in a male-dominated space. In the face of numerous intense challenges in her personal and professional life, Gentileschi used her art to reclaim her voice and empower women, creating bold and dramatic pieces that continue to resonate with us today. We are all Artemisia fan girls over here, and so when Elena suggested naming a shoe after her, we were totally on board.
We have to shout out the amazing photographer Rose Callahan, who is behind all of these gorgeous pictures of Elena- thank you Rose! We also would be remised if we didn’t thank the wonderful people at the Armour Stiner house, who very graciously allowed us special access to their location for our photoshoot. The Armour Stiner house (located in Irvington, New York) is an incredibly inspiring and beautiful place to visit, and we highly recommend going for a tour!
The Heroines by Elena Kanagy-Loux collection is 15% off each pair on pre-order through June 1. Follow along with us through the pre-order period to learn more about Elena, our collaboration collection, and the inspiration behind each design!
Pre-Order is Open
May 16 – June 1
15% Discount Per Pair
AmericanDuchess.com
