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MEMORIES:

When “All-American look” fashion designer Claire McCardell asked dance shoe manufacturer Capezio to design a comfortable, fashion-forward shoe for her new line of casual sportswear in the 1950’s, a new, classic shoe style was born. Capezio borrowed from their traditional round-toe, flat-sole style of their ballet slippers into a sturdy street shoe that fit in perfectly with the new leisure look of the decade.
Ballerina flats, or ballet slippers, were a comfortable alternative to the pointy-toed, high-heeled stiletto shoe. They were a fashionable compliment to the slim silhouette clothing styles of the ‘50’s, and worked well with the popular ballerina skirt dresses and capri pants.

 

Women wore ballerina flats with casual wear, while teenagers used them as dress-up shoes – a fancier alternative to penny loafers and saddle shoes. Beatniks picked up the shoes for everyday-wear, paired with black leotards and capris, and championed by Audrey Hepburn’s character in 1957’s film Funny Face. The style has made occasional appearances since then, specially in the ‘60’s and again in the ‘80’s.