Marie Antoinette XI

                                                                                                      from the shoe collection inspired by the esteemed fashion and costume plate series Galerie des Modes et Costumes Français, which first emerged during the reign of Marie Antoinette. This collection has been hailed as "the most beautiful assortment depicting eighteenth-century fashion." Capturing the essence of French elegance, these plates showcased real-life ensembles worn by the stylish women of Paris and the Royal Palace at Versailles, highlighting France's leading position in the world of fashion.

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​The shoes have a shape prevalent throughout the 1700s, featuring an exaggerated toe point and a high heel gracefully tucked under the arch, crafted to enhance the illusion of dainty and delicate feet.

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The fashion plate is a grand court mourning dress edged with gauze drapery and tied with ribbons.  The overskirt splits in an inverted V shape to reveal gathered crepe underskirts.  This is reflected in the ruffles down the front of the high tongue on the shoe with the inverted V as the braid on either side.  The elaborate Rococo-style cartouche on each side of the shoe is reminiscent of the contrasting white lace on the sleeves of the dress.  An impressed flower pattern breaks up the smooth surface of the black glaze.

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