Historical information
The extensive fashion and design collection of the Kew Historical Society has been assembled over a number of decades. One subsection of this collection is shoes, designed and manufactured for Australian women by Australian and European designers. Many of the shoes, while often mass-produced, were generally constructed by skilled artisans using traditional shoe-making techniques. The shoes date from the 1890s to the 1980s.
Significance
Paragon Shoes Pty Ltd was one of the most significant 20th century Australian shoe retailers, and at one time was the largest manufacturer of high quality of women's shoes in Australia. Its factory was located in Melbourne, and its shoes were sold throughout Australia and New Zealand. (Museum Victoria)
Physical description
Pair of two toned brown leather and suede women’s shoes designed and made in Australia by Paragon. The label identifies the Paragon range as Belle Chasseur - Jessica.
Inscriptions & markings
Genuine leather 7 1/2 B
Subjects
References
- Paragon Shoe Collection Museum Victoria's Paragon Shoe Collection comprises 88 objects, largely shoes, as well as advertising and point-of-sale material. The collection dates from ca. 1916 to ca. 1993. The collection description, by Ms. Debra Tout-Smith, includes an overview of the company's history.
