Object Title: Women's Shoe by Fontana
Designer: Fontana, Rome, Italy
Date: c. 1960s
Medium: Seude
Owner: Clive Reid
Description:
This burnt orange and emerald green suede heel by Italian designer
Fontana captures the spirit of mid-century elegance and
modernity. Crafted in the 1960s, the shoe balances refined
femininity with everyday practicality. Featuring a modest, sculpted
heel and clean lines that made it suitable for both the office and
casual settings. Fontana's craftsmanship reflects the period’s
transition from post-war conservatism to a more expressive and
confident approach to women’s fashion. The silhouette speaks to a
time when style was becoming increasingly mobile, empowering women
to move through public and professional spaces with grace and
authority.
Cultural Significance:
More than a fashion item, this heel represents a shift in how women
dressed for expression and everyday life. The 1960s shoe was an
emerging symbol of elegance and style on a day to day basis. Owned
by Clive Reid in Sydney, this piece connects Australian fashion
collectors to the global rise of Italian design, while showcasing
the universal language of sophistication and functionality in
women's wardrobes.