The mules were originally associated with footwear for the boudoir and were worn by women of fashion. In the 20th century high heeled backless slippers with furry uppers of this kind carried strong sexual inferences, as well as the tacky. Soft down uppers further heighten the provocative allure.

The shoes were coined 'Hollywood mules' after movie stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, Greta Garbo and Jane Mansfield took to wearing them in the late 1940s and 1950s. Marilyn Monroe was seen in a similar pair of mules in 'The Seven Year Itch', 1955. Since then 'Hollywood mules' have also became a favourite with transvestites and drag artists.

Made by Gaston Honey Enterprises for David Jones Ltd in probably America.

Date of manufacture is about 1950s

Mules (pair), women's, perspex/swansdown, Gaston Honey Industries for David Jones Ltd, [USA], c.1950s

Pair of womens high heeled mules, of glued construction, with bare toe and hollow [stileto] heel. Shoes consist of uppers with 2 horizontal, pink, elasticised bands across the vamp, covered with wihte swansdown. soles in one piece of clear moulded plastic. No sock. Heel high, moulded perspex with hollow open front. Small round patch of sole of natural leather. perspex heel cap on heel. Natural leather patch adhered to sole on right foot with green printed inscription 'MADE FOR/DAVID JONES LTD/by GASTON HONEY INDUSTRIES". Handwritten below this in blue biro "3"
(-1) left foot
(-2) right foot

Designed: Gaston Honey Industries; United States of America

Made: Gaston Honey Industries; United States of America; 1950 - 1959

See description

97/270/1

105 mm

125 mm