The history of the Mary Jane shoe model is based on a book. It takes its name from the character Mary Jane, who always wears strappy shoes in Richard Felton Outcault's novel Buster Brown.
Mary Jane and her shoes, which first entered our lives as a comic book, later became a fashion trend.
Mary Jane is actually a cartoon character created by the father of the Sunday comic strip, Richard Felton Outcault. It was the transformation of the little daughter of Mary Jane Felton, one of the three characters of the comic book first published in 1902 under the name Buster Brown, into a cartoon character.
The legend of Buster Brown became a phenomenon with its loyal audience over time, and this cult comic book created much more than a story. As soon as the American shoe manufacturer Brown Shoe Company realized the potential of this popular character, it purchased the artist's rights and the patent for "Mary Jane" was thus transferred to the fashion world.
Mary Jane (also known as bar shoes or doll shoes) is an American term (formerly a registered trademark) for a closed, low-cut shoe with one or more straps across the instep. Classic Mary Janes for children are typically made of black leather or patent leather, have one thin strap fastened with a buckle or button, a broad and rounded toe box, low heels, and thin outsoles. Among girls, Mary Janes are commonly worn with tights, pantyhose, socks, or without them (on bare feet), and a dress or a skirt and blouse. Among boys (less common), Mary Janes are traditionally worn with socks (or without them as well), short trousers and a shirt.
The legend of Buster Brown became a phenomenon with its loyal audience over time, and this cult comic book created much more than a story. As soon as the American shoe manufacturer Brown Shoe Company realized the potential of this popular character, it purchased the artist's rights and the patent for "Mary Jane" was thus transferred to the fashion world. The brand released a collection of shoes signed with their name, Buster Brown, in 1904. The part of this collection that will be resurrected for many years to come is Mary Janes, the single-strap shoes of our childhood.
Primarily used as children's shoes, Mary Janes made their voice heard on the dance floors as representatives of elegance at balls in the 1920s. In the 1930s, child star Shirley Temple wore a pair of Mary Janes for a sweet dance scene, and the look spread around the world, but Mary Janes were not yet attractive enough for women.
30 years after Shirley Temple's iconic show, famous designers were pointing to Mary Jane, who was identified with girls. British fashion designer Mary Quant dressed British icon Twiggy in a pair, and the shoes exploded with brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Dior creating the Mary Janes line.
Mary Jane later became a timeless icon that the fashion industry has resurrected again and again in different forms in the 90s, 2000s, and now.
PLATFORM HEEL ADDED
Clueless star Alicia Silverstone wore a pair of silver Mary Janes with white socks throughout the set. Rock musician Courtney Love used shoes as the star of her attractive and mysterious poses, saying a little rock'n'roll. Jennifer Aniston, Rachel of Friends, one of the most watched TV series of all time, turned the set of the series in California into a catwalk with a pair of high-heeled Mary Jane. When the fashion-forward TV series Sex and The City met with the audience once again after many years, the main character Carrie changed her interpretation of Mary Jane a little and conquered the streets of Manhattan with the platform-heeled form of the shoe.
ADDED ROCK'S ROLL AND ATTRACTIVENESS
When you look back, it may seem a bit exaggerated that Mary Janes created a multifaceted craze at different times all over the world. After all, America was not rediscovered; these shoes were the first useful shoes for many of us. However, Mary Jane's secret begins at this point. A classically simple shoe came into existence with its extraordinary story.
It was later interpreted by many brands and names. Single-strap shoes, which started their story as sweet and elegant, added a little rock and roll charm to their soul over time. Besides this, Mary Jane has another secret; When she was a child, she was not in such demand as it was just fashionable.
SAVIOR OF SPECIAL DAYS
Mary Janes, which were parents' first choice for their children, were functional. While it could be a normal part of daily life, it was also the savior of special occasions. It matched every piece, day and night, and made the look stylish. This is the reason that brings Mary Janes to us today.
Features of Mary Jane shoes
Mary Jane shoes are simple shoes with straps that are secured with a buckle or button along the ankle. These shoes may have flats, heels, or platform soles. It can be produced from leather, canvas, or an artificial material. It can be enhanced with florals, color blocks, or striped prints.
Today, Mary Janes are considered a women's shoe. But in their time, many English kings chose to wear them when their portraits were painted, and young boys also adopted them as part of their school uniforms. Mary Jane shoes were popular throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many women love this style and more women would choose them because of their practical use. The versatility of Mary Jane shoes is a great reason to add them to any shoe collection. They can accompany many different styles and still do not compromise their own atmosphere. They are usually designed as shoes with taller and thicker heels.
Mary Jane's shoes can be worn with or without socks. A woman may choose the type of Mary Jane shoes depending on the outfit she is wearing and the look she is going for. Women who prefer a more boyish or retro look can wear Mary Janes with socks. Those who want to have a more sexy and feminine appearance should not choose socks.
Mary Janes can make your ankles look thicker than they actually are if you don't choose them carefully. In order for both the shoes and the legs to look more sexy, the ankle band of the chosen shoe should be thin and pointed-toe, not too close to the ankle. These features give the woman a taller appearance and draw attention to her ankles. Conversely, women looking for a more casual look may turn to a wider strap and rounded toe.