Monique

Why Mules ?

The mule seems to be continuing
it’s domination of the halls
of fashion through the summer and into
the winter. I have seen them
in most of the fashion magazines that are
currently out, highlighting the designer fashions
to come (winter-spring 1998).

Women are wearing them into November
and December with socks or leggings.
They are shown with everything from flowing
gowns to shorts and pants. Candies, Via Spiga,
Nine West, Gucci, Cole Haan, and even Dr. Scholls
are popular - if it’s a slide
or mule.

Why so popular again? I think mules are very
versatile and convenient to slip in and out of.
Yes, women want comfort and
most shoe makers offer styles which comply.
We want shoes that are practical yet versatile
says Linda Branting, of Brown Shoe Company .
“You can wear the mule with a silk sarong skirt
and a T-shirt or khaki shorts or mid-calf length silk.

The mules of the 30’s , 40’s and 50’s where somewhat
heavier and not adapted to the fast pace life we
live today as noted by
Jackie White in a fashion article for the Kansas Star.
Today’s mules and slides are better designed to
function in a fast paced world.

Women want to be able to slip into a shoe and hit the
ground running - not literally. The backless shoe is
still not for all women but it has even found it’d way
into the office as well as church. I think some mules
may be a bit to risqué for these venues.

What is the difference between the mule and the slide?
The mule was a closed toe backless shoe circa 16th
century. The term slide, so named due to the ease
of slipping in and out of it came years later.
The slide was predominately opened toed.
Now, the two terms are often used interchangeably
to describe both styles.

I hope I have answered your questions and again thanks for all of
the wonderful comments about my site. I will try to
accommodate your request, in time. Again, given the large
volume of email, I apologize that I cannot answer each and
everyone
who has emailed me. However, I do value your opinions and
comments regarding fashions and styles associated with shoes.

MQ

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