Object Details
Manufactured by
Herbert Levine, American, founded 1948
Distributed by
Bonwit Teller , American, 1895 - 2000
Worn by
Eartha Kitt, American, 1927 - 2008
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Description
Dark green satin pumps worn by Eartha Kitt and designed by Beth Levine of Herbert Levine for the department store Bonwit Teller and Co. Kitt wore the shoes with a Zelda Wynn designed dress (2007.3.163).
The pumps are covered in a dark green satin and feature a three and a half inch spiked heel and sharply pointed toe. There is an embroidered foliage design across the vamp in six lighter shades of green silk embroidery floss with beaded metallic accents. The leather sole is lined with a contrasting gold satin, with satin sidewalls, and leather heel. The left (a) shoe features gold-colored lettering vertically placed on the footpad which reads: [herbert levine]. The right (b) shoe features gold-colored lettering vertically placed on the footpad which reads: [BONWIT TELLER / FIFTH AVE]. Black ink inscriptions inside each shoe, on their right walls, read: [4 ½ B / A-1936]. There are no markings on the bottom of the soles.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
Date
ca. 1955
Object number
2007.3.164ab
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
pumps (shoes)
Medium
silk satin with metal
Dimensions
H x W x D (a): 8 7/8 × 2 15/16 × 1 9/16 in. (22.5 × 7.5 × 4 cm)
H x W x D (b): 8 7/8 × 2 5/8 × 1 3/4 in. (22.5 × 6.6 × 4.5 cm)
Place made
New York, New York, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Actors
Clothing and dress
Fashion
Singers (Musicians)
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2007.3.164ab