Item HT 11640 Sandal - Paragon, Pierre Fontaine, 'Chaussures', Left, 1980s

Summary

Single left sandal, 1980s, 'Chaussures Pierre Fontaine' made by Paragon. The donor explains that Paragon sold more clear plastic shoes than any other variety. Most were daytime shoes, without the diamantes seen here.

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.

Physical Description

High-heeled sandal with peep toe. Uppers of clear plastic with white plastic and diamante trim extending from vamp to strap, which is covered in cream satin. A short inscription is handwritten in blue ink on the sole.

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.