Mary Jane (shoe)
|
Decorative Mary Jane shoes |
Mary Jane is an
American term for a kind of strap shoe that typically have low heels, rounded closed toes, and a buckled strap across the instep. They are often made of black
patent leather, although some current incarnations can be in a wide array of colors and are also made of
canvas or
suede.
Traditionally Mary Janes are a variety of
shoe worn mainly by girls, but historically have been worn by boys as well. In modern times they are worn by women of all ages, however, while Mary Janes may be considered formal for girls, they are considered informal when worn by women.
Mary Jane was a character created by the
Brown Shoe Company. Mary Jane would often tag along with
Buster Brown, another marketing character by the Brown Shoe Company.
While the classic Mary Jane still retains it's wide popularity and appeal, today's more stylish Mary Janes tend to be platform styles, with half-inch to one-inch soles and three- to five-inch "chunky" heels, often with exaggerated grommets or buckles. These styles were especially popular in the
United States in the late-
1990s and early-
2000s, within
punk rock,
psychobilly, and
goth subcultures. Many times the wearers would accent the look with knee-high knit socks in dark-colored stripes or patterns and often complete the look with a plaid, pleated
schoolgirl-style skirt.
Mary Janes are considered necessary in
Lolita fashion as well.
