Object of the Day

Fats Domino's Loafers

May 9
This pair of men's burgundy and tan leather loafers, designed by Pierre Cardin, were worn by American rock and roll pioneer Fats Domino.

Red and cream loafers designed by Pierre Cardin and worn by Fats Domino

Description
This pair of men's burgundy and tan leather loafers, left shoe (2013.59.3a) and right shoe (2013.59.3b), were worn by Fats Domino. The uppers of the shoes are made from leather, with the wingtip toe caps, heel counters, a panel over the tongue, and the trim around the foot opening all in burgundy. The rest of the uppers and the tongues are cream leather. A decorative design is punched into the burgundy leather at the center of each toe cap and along the edges of the wingtip and the counter. A piece of wide brown elastic is sewn behind each tongue for an adjustable fit. The shoes have leather soles and stacked wooden heels that are painted black with a black rubber heel cap. The Pierre Cardin logo and name are incised onto the heel caps. A square metal "p" logo is attached at the outer side of only the right heel. The insides of the shoes are lined in light brown leather, including the inner soles. A blue label with cream text having the "p" logo at the left reads: "pierre cardin / PARIS / MADE IN SPAIN". The style and size are stamped in black ink on the interior proper left side of each shoe.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Designed by
Pierre Cardin, French, founded 1950
Worn by
Fats Domino, American, 1928 - 2017
Date
late 20th Century
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Antoine "Fats" Domino
Medium
leather, wood, rubber, and elastic
Dimensions
H x W x D (Left shoe (a)): 4 1/2 × 4 × 11 3/4 in. (11.4 × 10.2 × 29.8 cm)
H x W x D (Right shoe (b)): 4 1/4 × 4 × 11 3/4 in. (10.8 × 10.2 × 29.8 cm)
Type
Loafers (TM)