Venetian Loafers, Prince Albert Slippers, Furlanes: What is the Distinction?
I bear in mind once I unboxed my first pair of velvet slippers—which weren’t a lot the snug, shearling-lined design I related to the time period “slipper” as they had been a inflexible idler with a well raised vamp. They had been meant to be worn strictly throughout formal events, with a strip of satin grosgrain alongside the again, and a tough leather-based sole that click-clacked with every step. The left shoe depicted an embroidered illustration of a metallic screw, whereas the precise was emblazoned with the letter U. “Screw U” they learn from left to proper.
Positive, they had been cheeky, however I wasn’t fairly positive simply how to put on them. At first blush, they’re a fragile—one may even say a dainty—alternative of footwear. However over time, their preciousness wore off, they usually could possibly be donned simply as simply with a tuxedo as a pair of denims. That’s why the velvet slipper has attained such cult standing, sustaining a foothold on the well-heeled plenty for the reason that nineteenth Century. What units them aside? They fall squarely into two camps: the Furlane and the Prince Albert slipper, every with their very own loyal following.
