Item HT 11662 Shoe - Biba, Platform, Right, 1970s

Summary

Single, right platform shoe, 1970s, labelled 'Biba', made in Italy. Probably purchased by Paragon as a sample. Biba was established in London in 1964 by a former fashion illustrator, and by the early 1970s had become a large department store and a centre for high fashion.

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

Platform sandal with metallic silver/pink leather uppers with peep toe, tear-shaped cut-outs and sling back. Sole and heel covered with metallic purple leather. Synthetic upper; leather 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.