We are so over-the-moon thrilled to announce our latest pre-order collection: Harlemology by Dandy Wellington! Dandy Wellington is a bandleader, entertainer, event producer, and creative consultant, born-and-raised in Harlem, New York. He is…
-
-
Pre-Raphaelite Paintings and Aesthetic Dress: Fantasy, Self-Expression, and Tea Gowns
Lately, the Arts and Crafts movement and Pre-Raphaelite movement seem to be having a moment. IKEA recently released a collection of William Morris-inspired prints for some of their home textiles, and apparently…
-
Bessie Coleman’s Aviatrix Outfit
More than a couple of you have asked where we got the pieces Shannise wore in our Bessie Coleman photo shoot, so it seemed fitting to write a quick little post about…
-
Giving Tuesday: Marjorie Russell Clothing & Textile Research Center
After the whirlwind that is Black Friday we like to participate in a relatively new tradition, “Giving Tuesday.” Today, 20% of proceeds from all American Duchess orders will be donated to the…
-
Silver Bells Sitewide Winter Sale!
… is OPEN! We have a bold stack for you this year, sure to excite. The sale is happening on *both* USA and European/UK websites. Here’s what you need to know about…
-
Save the Date – Silver Bells Sale!
It’s that time of year again – sale season! This year we’re throwing it all in, literally…. What does that mean? You’ll have to wait and see! The Annual American Duchess‘Silver Bells…
-
Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave (into our clothes): Spiderweb Motifs in Fashion
When we saw these spiderweb shoes in a vintage catalogue from the 1920s, our jaws totally dropped! Bada-bing-bada-boom, now we have Parker Vintage Shoes, resplendent in all her spidery goodness. Spiderwebs are…
-
It No Longer Sucks to Order American Duchess Shoes from Europe
We promise! After over ten years of the shipping and import of American Duchess shoes to Europe getting worse and worse, we finally opened a Euro-specific website and are stocking and shipping…
-
Glamorous 1920s Shoes and the History Behind Them
Something about the fall and winter months reinvigorates enthusiasm for the Jazz Age, Art Deco, and all things 1920s and flappers! Working on the designs for the All Hallows collection also totally…
-
All Hallows – {Pre-Order Open}
It’s spooky season, and to celebrate we have some enchanting shoes for you! This collection is definitely aesthetic, vibing strong in the 1920s with a dash of gothic goodness. Satins, patents, and…
-
The Fascinating Lives of Buttonhooks
As you will hear us shouting from the rooftops any time we release a button boot, buttonhooks are an utterly indispensable accessory for anyone who dons Victorian/Edwardian footwear with functional buttons. This…
-
A Little History of Victorian/Edwardian Cloth-Top Button Boots
We’ll have Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island too! Isn’t it lovely to have cloth-top button boots! Built on the same last and heel as the uber-popular Tavistock all-leather boots, the lighter…
-
Cute As a Button! Pre-Order Open
As autumn unfolds we have a whole bunch of glorious designs for you, but not all of them are ready at the same time, so we’re doing some “mini collections” throughout this…
-
The History Behind Double-Buckle Combat Boots
When you think ‘combat boots’, what comes to mind? Your favorite Doc Martens, punk rock, or your grunge phase? Modern service boots? Something entirely different? Like camo patterns and army jackets, combat…
-
One Boot to Rule Them All
With the new Larkspur Wool and Leather Boots, we claim a rather long time period for accuracy, 1810s – 1930s. This bold statement demands evidence, so I’m here to provide it. The…
-
The “Harvest” Collection {Behind the Soles}
It may still be *way too hot* but we’re ready for Autumn, which means a fresh crop of shoes and boots for our first collection of this most glorious of seasons. This…
-
On Cycling Costumes: Pants, Skirts, and Boots
Though some parts of the northern hemisphere may still feel as hot as summer, there’s no denying it- autumn is on its way! Therefore, we have boots on the mind. Our Adventure…
-
How to Dye Ivory Leather Shoes
You know that special, excited feeling you get when you’re sewing, about creating a project will be unique and customized just for you? Imagine that excitement doubled (or tripled) for the joy…
-
The History of Mary Jane Shoes
The new Prism collection features not one but two splendid Mary Janes, Anna May (3 inch heel) and Millie (1.75 inch heel). We have been working on these babies for a looooong…
-
All About Anna May Wong
Have you heard of Anna May Wong? Anna May is widely considered to be the first major Chinese-American film star, and she is the namesake of our new Anna May Mary Jane…