Who Are We?

American Duchess was founded in 2009 with the main purpose of helping historical costume enthusiasts worldwide by offering historically accurate shoes from the 16th to the 20th century that are also comfortable and durable to modern standards. Over time, the brand has also gained popularity among mainstream audiences seeking more expressive shoes, as vintage styles have become trendier - people wear them all the time.

Based in Reno, Nevada, USA, the brand is widely recognized for its impeccably accurate and elegant footwear collection, which now includes a variety of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Vintage, and 1920s styles, along with complementary products such as silk stockings and shoe buckles.

History

The American Duchess brand began as a popular blog on historical costuming from the 16th to the 20th century. The frustration of not finding appropriate 18th-century footwear inspired the creation of their first style, the exclusive “Georgiana” shoes. The Georgiana was an 18th-century latchet shoe with french heel and rounded toe, made in dyeable satin. The Georgiana and its leather counterpart, the Devonshire, were developed with the help of the brand's readership to offer historically accurate footwear for Colonial reenactors and French courtiers alike.

The success of these shoes led American Duchess to develop more historical footwear styles, such as early Regency slippers, Edwardian oxfords, 1920s flapper shoes, and early 18th-century Louis heels. Each style undergoes careful research and balances the hallmarks of the period with modern comfort needs. All shoes are extremely comfortable, durable, authentic, and elegant.
If you would like to learn more about American Duchess and become involved in the development of future historical footwear styles, please visit these links:


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