Velvet house shoes or slippers are not for hiding away at home…despite their name. While originally created as more comfortable alternative to outdoor shoes, it was not until they received the royal seal of approval that they began to make traction in the world of fashion.
Royal seal of approval
Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert was our mover and a shaker in this instance by requesting velvet uppers, fancy quilted linings and embroidered toes to elevate the simple slipper to a royal standard. Twinned with a smoking jacket, these house shoes were soon seen at dinner parties on the feet of fashion-conscious Victorian gentlemen.
In the mid-1900s, Hollywood superstars started wearing them instead of the patent loafer or as a black-tie replacement for the traditional Oxford shoe. This is a fashion choice that remains a constant to this day…again receiving royal backing when William, Prince of Wales, wore a pair of black velvet house shoes to the Top Gun: Maverick UK film premiere featuring F-18 Super Hornets embroidered on the toe.
Velvet house shoes for black-tie events
James Bond actor Daniel Craig is also a fan of the velvet house shoe, along with US singer John Legend and American footballer Odell Beckham Jr. The addition of embroidery has enabled wearers to either personalise their slippers or to just set themselves apart from the plain velvet versions.
Celebrities are usually seen wearing them at black-tie events, but they are also popular for weddings. They immediately elevate a wedding outfit, whether you are a member of the wedding party or a guest. They are also great for dancing! With wedding season closing in on us, maybe consider them. Don’t just wear the shoes you might pull on to go to the office. You need something special; you need something elegant.
But if you want to wear velvet slippers with jeans, chinos and a blazer, or even with shorts, that is fine too! They are luxurious but also very comfortable and confidence inspiring. If they work for our future king, who are we to argue?
Shop velvet house shoes
Our velvet slippers are made in England using the finest materials, including a leather sole and a quilted lining, these will be a luxurious addition to the wardrobe of any man who likes the finer things in life.
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