Ad Campaign – Daniel Green Slippers, 1941

Do your Christmas shopping Easy

It’s all done as easily as this… Stop at any slipper counter or department.  Ask to see the new Daniel Green slippers for Christmas.  You’ll be in for a style treat!  And a color thrill!

This ad was written just before the US entered WWII, and while slippers made from cloth were not rationed in the States, I imagine that the pretty colors became a bit hard to obtain due to the scarcity of dyes.  I’ve read that many wartime brides wore white satin slippers because they were the only new – and appropriate for a wedding – shoes to be had.  I can picture a bride wearing the beautiful Militaire slipper at the top of the display.

I’ll be telling the fascinating story of another slipper company tomorrow.  This was a story that has been right under my nose, and it was just brought to my attention.  Some stories are worth the wait.

Daniel Green Footwear for 1938

I just cannot resist great vintage fashion advertising!  This is a small poster, probably for a store to display in their slipper department.  Daniel Green slippers have been made for over 100 years, and they have always meant “quality.”  My grandmother, who was not a fashion plate by any means, knew her slippers and insisted on Daniel Greens.

One of my favorite stories about Daniel Green slippers is told by shoe historian Jonathan Walford.  Jonathan says that during WWII brides often wore Daniel Greens as their wedding shoes, as they were made in satin and were easier to obtain than regular shoes.  And I’ve seen them in fashion spreads of the era, usually with “at home” gowns, but I’m sure they also went to dinner.

I bought this poster some years ago because it was cheap and cute.  But it is going to a new home, as I happen to have a friend who is a big Daniel Green collector, and I think she will like it.  Just don’t tell!

Comment:

Posted by Deana Spartan:

Lizzie-
I am one of the designers for Daniel Green. I love the history that you gave with your posted. It’s great to hear that you have fond memories of Daniel Green. I would love to know more history. Maybe I can find some information from the historian you listed.
Thanks! 

Wednesday, January 23rd 2008 @ 12:53 PM