Pair of loafers worn and autographed by James Brown

Object Details

Description: A pair of black and cream patent leather loafers signed by James Brown on the top of each shoe in red ink (faded to pink) on the uppers of the toes "James / Brown" on the right shoe and "The / Godfather / of / Soul" on the left. The shoes have black along the bottom of the upper with a cream upper part of the sides of the backs and a cream upper toe and tongue. The foot opening is trimmed in black patent leather. There is a wide black faux strap across the top arch with a decorative metal pin shaped like a buckle affixed at the exterior side over the band. Both shores are stamped in gold "ROSSI / MADE IN ITALY" at the interior heel. The insole is dark tan and reaches only halfway down and has a cushioned heel. Beneath the tongue is a slit in the leather that is connected by a length of wide cream elastic. The soles are leather and the heels are wood painted black with a rubber pad nailed to the bottom. On the bottom of the right shoe in front of the heel there is text handwritten in black ink that reads: "SCENE 2". To the left of this text is a hand-colored black ink rectangle. Below the text is a white round sticker that appears to be missing its top layer. Sizing and other information is stamped on the inner interior side of each upper, but is illegible.

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

1970s

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions; Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Medium: patent leather with wood, rubber, metal, and elastic
Dimensions: 2012.64.3a: 3 7/8 x 3 15/16 x 11 7/8 in. (9.8 x 10 x 30.2 cm); 2012.64.3b: 3 7/8 x 3 15/16 x 11 7/8 in. (9.8 x 10 x 30.2 cm)

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing - Fashion and Historical

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Fashion; Rhythm and blues (Music); Soul (Music)

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52df0271d-5279-44e7-8123-e317c2b747dc