Evolution & History of the Trend
Published on vogue.com March 28, 2012
“In the late Eighties and Nineties, it was very in and out. People saw it as a seasonal item. But designers stopped caring about seasonality. Lucite is now used in fall and winter, whether it’s bags or jewelry or whatever. I think people are drawn to things that are considered futuristic, and if you think about what defines the future with materials, Lucite is up there.”
-Alexis Bittar, Jewelry Designer
-Alexis Bittar, Jewelry Designer
A Brief History of Acrylic
Heels from the '50s
1933:
The trademark Plexiglass was created for acrylic; Perspex created in the United Kingdom; DuPont began making Lucite
The U.S. military used acrylic during WWII as windshields, gun turrets, and for airplane parts.
In the 1950s, acrylic entered the fashion industry, most often as handbags and clutches, but was also commonly used for the heel segment of shoes.
The trademark Plexiglass was created for acrylic; Perspex created in the United Kingdom; DuPont began making Lucite
The U.S. military used acrylic during WWII as windshields, gun turrets, and for airplane parts.
In the 1950s, acrylic entered the fashion industry, most often as handbags and clutches, but was also commonly used for the heel segment of shoes.
Lucite Gained Popularity in the '50s Thanks to These Blonde Bombshells
Photo credits
Evolution Through the '60s, '70s, and '80s - For the Mass Consumer
On the Runway Before Spring 2012
In Magazines Prior to 2012
"Loud & Clear" in Harper's Bazaar, February 2003
"Crystal Belles" in InStyle, March 2007
"Steer Clear" in Allure, June 2010
- "Transparent shoes--from vampy stilettos to girly pumps to whimsical wedges--step into play this spring."
"Crystal Belles" in InStyle, March 2007
- "It's clear (no pun intended) what's appealing about Lucite, plastic and crystal. The clean lines and artful shapes pair well with almost everything."
"Steer Clear" in Allure, June 2010
- "Lucite and plastic make platform shoes look lighter than air."
- "The article evaluates platform shoes, including jersey-leather-and-Plexiglass sandals from Fendi, Lucite-and-patent-leather shoes from Stuart Weitzman and suede-and-leather sandals with plastic straps from Max Azria." (EBSCOhost database article abstract)
In 2011...
Brooklyn Decker was photographed out and about in lucite-heeled ankle
strap pumps last summer.
strap pumps last summer.
Lanvin - Spring 2011
On the Fashion Cycle
Currently, clear shoes are located in the early rise stage of the fashion cycle.
This location is mainly because of the prevalence of this trend worn by fashion innovators (celebrities and bloggers) instead of the everyday consumer.
Another reason for its placement in the early rise stage is that there are not many transparent shoes being sold at low price points (better, moderate, and budget). The majority of these shoes are being sold in higher-end stores and belong to luxury designer names. However, this is not completely the case as retailers such as Zara and Topshop are catching on to the trend.
This location is mainly because of the prevalence of this trend worn by fashion innovators (celebrities and bloggers) instead of the everyday consumer.
Another reason for its placement in the early rise stage is that there are not many transparent shoes being sold at low price points (better, moderate, and budget). The majority of these shoes are being sold in higher-end stores and belong to luxury designer names. However, this is not completely the case as retailers such as Zara and Topshop are catching on to the trend.