Item HT 11315 Shoes - Paragon, Belle Chaussure, 'Rema', Ankle Strap, Red & Blue

Summary

Pair of Paragon high-heeled shoes with ankle straps, teal blue at front with red trim, back support and heel. Part of the Belle Chaussure range, 'Rema' design, made in Australia.

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.

As fashions changed and new market sectors were pursued, Paragon created new labels for its products. Belle Chaussure was aimed at a sophisticated buyer.

Physical Description

Two-toned high-heeled shoes, with ankle straps, closed and pointed toes. Teal blue at front of shoe with red trim and red back support and heel of shoe. Strap placed in front of the ankle; buckle on outside. All leather.

Significance

The Paragon Shoe Collection comprises over 90 objects, including pairs of shoes and single shoes, point-of-sale materials and promotional materials such as business cards and an umbrella bearing the company name. The Collection documents the business and products of Paragon Shoes Pty Ltd, one of the most significant 20th century Australian shoe retailers, and at one time 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.

The collection was largely donated by a member of the Davison family, which ran the Paragon business for most of the 20th century. It documents the changing designs of Australian women's footwear, from the 1910s to the 1980s. It illustrates the development of new shoe styles, from sample shoes bought overseas to shoes that went into production and were worn by Australian women. The collection is complemented by an archive held at the State Library of Victoria, including company records, shoe design sketch books and further point-of-sale material.