Slippers 1868 - 1872

These slippers were made by Julien Mayer, and are part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Slippers like these are all about process, and speak volumes about a certain kind of lifestyle. They are made from woven raffia and silk, materials that were widely available, yet called for skilled hands to transform them into something special. Look closely, and you'll notice the tight weave of the raffia, the delicate ruffle of silk, the intricate way these elements are joined together. This wasn't factory work; this was the work of a practiced artisan. The materials themselves—raffia, a humble, natural fiber, and silk, a luxury textile—create a dialogue. These slippers are a testament to the taste of the wearer, but also the many hours of labor required to create them. By considering the materials, the making, and the cultural context, we can appreciate the slippers not just as fashion, but as a tangible piece of social history. It blurs the line between craft and fine art, inviting us to consider the value of skilled handwork.