The word lofet is a nod to the early American pioneers of this style of footwear. While Henri Bendel is credited with inventing the loafer, it is also possible that G.H. Bass was the first to use the name. His loafer was a tribute to his father’s wife, Alice, and father’s original idea.
Henri Bendel invented the loafer
Bendel was born in Vermillionville, Louisiana, and raised by his widowed mother, Mary. His father, an Austrian immigrant, died when he was still a young child. His mother eventually became a prominent retail businesswoman. She later remarried in 1878 to a Lafayette businessman, Benjamin Falk. While Bendel was Jewish, he converted to Christianity as a teenager.
After he left his uncle’s business, Bendel founded his own company, Belgian Shoes, in New York. In 1954, he bought two factories in Belgium, where he was able to make the loafer that would become his signature style. He designed a unique style by stitching the shoes inside-out, then reversing the construction. Bendel’s loafer is still the standard for men’s shoes.
The loafer is one of the most popular footwear styles for fall. From the penny loafer to the ballerina flat, there are several styles to choose from. The loafer, which was first created in Belgium in the 1940s, is made of durable leather and offers a smooth, seamless look. The design often features contrast trim on the toe and a bow at the vamp.
After its introduction, the loafer became a staple piece of menswear in New York City. They were worn by the upper class on the Upper East Side and on the Hamptons, but eventually reached broader society. The loafer gained widespread popularity after the famous Bernie Madoff’s scandal, where he was convicted of stealing millions of dollars from investors. He reportedly owned 300 pairs of loafers, and they cost upwards of $450 each.
Bendel was founded in 1895. At one time, it was one of the premier fashion outlets in New York City. However, in recent years, the company has struggled financially. In fact, it recently shut down 23 stores and its website. Its flagship store was at 712 Fifth Avenue in the iconic Rizzoli Building. Other locations included the Coty Building.
In the 1960s, loafers became a popular shoe, especially in Italy, where they were considered a more casual shoe. By the 1970s, the loafer was a common choice for men and women, and was worn with suits and other business attire. A decade later, it became widely accepted on Wall Street. Some famous personalities wore loafers, including John F. Kennedy and Gianni Agnelli. Several other brands have also produced horsebit loafers.
A few decades later, the loafer became the most popular style of footwear. Despite its enduring appeal, the style’s popularity has been disputed. Some historians believe that Bendel was influenced by American culture and style, while others attribute its popularity to the fashion sense of prep school students.
G.H. Bass’s loafer was a nod to founder John Bass’s wife Alice
The original loafer was made of leather. The iconic lip-like detailing was introduced by Maine shoemaker G.H. Bass and was inspired by Norwegians. The shoes quickly became a staple of men’s formalwear. Many men wore them to the altar in tuxedos and other formal attire. One correspondent got married wearing a pair emblazoned with wild embroidery from Florida outfit Stubbs & Wootton.
Henri Bass’s loafer was a nod to his father John
A loafer is a type of shoe without laces. It features a low heel and is slip-on. The design usually features a decorative strip on the vamp. It is a classic style that is still popular today. Its history can be traced back to the late 19th century.
