1. It Started with a Blog
That’s right- it all got started here. Before American Duchess launched our first shoe, Georgiana, for pre-order in 2011, American Duchess was a historical costuming blog. This blog was actually started by our founder, Lauren Stowell, in 2009! While the business is celebrating 15 years, the blog has been around for 17 years. Eep!
2. The First Shoes Burned (Literally)
Our first pre-order was memorable for several reasons- some good, some, well, not so good. The very first order of Georgianas were shipped in a truck that caught on fire, and over half the stock was destroyed. Our first customers were very patient as their shoes were completely remade! Thankfully everyone was okay, and we haven’t had any fires since. One could say our business started with a real spark.
3. As Seen on TV (and more)
American Duchess shoes have been featured in all manner of period pieces, from the big screen to your television. Some specific productions where our shoes have been spotted include Gilded Age, Victoria, Outlander, and The Power of the Dog (worn by Kirsten Dunst!). Onstage, AD shoes have been featured in Gypsy, Funny Girl, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, and numerous Met Opera productions. Plus, our buckles have been used in Hamilton!
4. Garage Band Beginnings
Before we ever had an office or a warehouse, American Duchess shoes were shipped out of a humble garage. 15 years on, it’s hard to believe how far this company has come.
5. We Have Books! And Patterns!
For those who might be new to the American Duchess community, we don’t just sell footwear and accessories. We also have two books, The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking and The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty. Additionally, we sell our American Duchess Simplicity sewing patterns on our website. Don’t forget our free wrap cape pattern too!
6. Why American Duchess?
Have you ever wondered where the name American Duchess comes from? Back in the days when American Duchess was just a blog, our founder was inspired by a favorite movie, 2008’s The Duchess. American Duchess was hence born! Our first shoe was also named Georgiana, after the Duchess of Devonshire, of course.
7. Buy Shoes and Support Good Causes
Over the years, we have partnered with several amazing non-profits and fundraising groups to help support causes close to our heart, like Sisters of the Skies, Bessie Coleman Aviation All Stars, the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center, Shoes That Fit, and more. Currently, you can help support the Bata Shoe Museum when you purchase a pair from our In Bloom collection, or The Point Foundation LGBTQ+ and Ally Scholarship Fund when you purchase a pair of Esme Pride Wedges.
8. What’s in a Name?
As you have probably noticed, all of our shoes have their own names. Some are named for places, some are named for people, and some are named for historical women. Some of these historical figures include Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Keckley, the Brontë Sisters, Bessie Coleman, Anna May Wong, Ma Rainey, Artemisia Gentileschi, Isabella Catanea Parasole, Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Ava Gardener, Camille Clifford, Hedy Lamar, and more.
9. Yes, We Have Wides
It’s a question often asked- do you have shoes that come in wide? The answer is a resounding yes! As of spring 2026, we have over 100 shoes that come in wide when all colorways are considered. From 18th century latchet shoes to Edwardian boots to vintage pumps, we have something sure to suit your style.
10. Don’t Fear the Buckle
Something that we get a lot of emails about is apprehension around installing our functional buckles to fasten latchet shoes. We get it- it can be intimidating to poke a hole in your fancy brand-new shoes! However, it’s not as scary as it seems. Just take it slowly, measure twice, and act with confidence. We have a handy video tutorial as well so you can get a full visual on how to install buckles.
11. You Love London, You Love France
Our best-selling shoe of all time when colorways are considered is Paris in black. Our best-selling shoe of all time overall is Londoner. You can’t get enough of Edwardian footwear, so it seems!
12. Who’s That Lady?
Have you ever wondered about the 18th century lady who is our avatar on Instagram and the blog? The painting featured is Mrs. Mary Robinson as Perdita, and it depicts Mary Robinson, an 18th century actress, as Perdita from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. One of our staff members has even visited Mary in person at Chawton House in Hampshire!
13. Astoria the Elder
Over the past 15 years, we have released, re-relased, re-vamped, and retired many styles. For example, our Anniversary Collection (on pre-order for 15% off through June 26, by the way) consists of three revived styles from years past! The oldest style that we currently sell is Astoria, which was first released all the way back in early 2012. Astoria is closely followed by Pompadour, another 2012 hit (more on that in this blog post).
14. If the Shoe Fits…
We’ve said it before a thousand times, and we’ll say it again: feet are weird. There is simply so much variety in how feet are shaped and sized from person to person. Because of this, we get a lot of questions about fit- especially since historical reproduction shoes are in a special category of their own. The good news is that we are prepared to answer just about any fit question you may have. In addition to emailing our fit team for tailored advice (which you can do at [email protected]), we have lots of blog content about fitting details. Check out our post on fit notes by style from 2024, for example.
15. We Love our Community!
The American Duchess community has grown from a small group of historical costumers to an ever-expanding circle of interesting people from all walks of life, who share an enthusiasm for historical footwear. From living historians, to dancers, to costume designers, to content creators, to vintage mavens, to lacemakers, to tailors, to cosplayers, to sewers and seamstresses, to professional pilots, lawyers, doctors, professors, librarians, and many more, this community is made up of so many incredible and inspiring people. We love making beautiful shoes for you, and we’re looking forward to another 15 years of American Duchess!
Don’t forget to check out Savoy Beaded Shoes, Victoria Carriage Boots, and Balmoral Boots from our Anniversary Collection. All these heritage styles are 15% off full price if you pre-order by June 26!
Pre-Order is Open
June 12-26
15% Discount Per Pair
AmericanDuchess.com
