Loafers

What is the history of moccasins?

The first traces of the moccasin can be found in North America, more precisely among the Amerindian tribes who made the ancestor of today's moccasin from untanned leather without fastenings, known soberly as "makasin". The moccasin travels as far as Norway, where sailors and farmers refine the design of this practical, comfortable shoe to create a reliable, weatherproof, waterproof and affordable shoe. Boston-trained shoemaker Nils Gregoriusoon Tveranger returns to his hometown and sets up his own workshop, where he designs a more technical moccasin based on the first spontaneous creations of local sailors.Inspired by the same cut as the Amerindians, he created a more accomplished shoe, which he named moccasin in homage to his hometown Aurland Moccasin.

Aurland moccasins attracted the attention of European and American foreigners, and dandies on the cutting edge of fashion and looking for new ways to stand out quickly adopted them at the beginning of the 20th century. The moccasin traveled everywhere, and was adopted by the most fashionable personalities, such as F.S. Fitzgerald on his trip to Italy in the 20s.

The Americans seized on the model, which was all the rage, and created an even more practical version that could be slipped on and off easily, marking the start of mass success for moccasins, which were no longer reserved for sailors or artists. From movie stars such as Cary Grant to the glamorous 7th art icon Katherine Hepburn, the moccasin became universal, and women and men alike could wear them, especially craftswomen and seamstresses who work and can't wear high heels all day.

Tassel moccasins owe their existence to another film star, a Hungarian actor by the name of Paul Lukas, winner of an Oscar in 1943, who influenced a shoe manufacturer in New England to add tassels and laces. Faced with the success of this shoe among the cosmopolitan elite, they joined forces to market the tassel moccasin model on a large scale. Their first tassel loafer came out in 1949 and was called the "Tassel Loafer". Students at America's top universities adopted the moccasin, symbolizing a more casual, preppy look, and loafers became icons of the "ivy league" style of sororities and popular soccer players. The moccasin became popular with young Americans in the 60s.

The moccasin also became popular with young executives, who used them in summer for an elegant, casual business look, particularly in the USA and Japan.

As the moccasin evolved, colors, materials, details and finishes improved and diversified.

What to wear moccasins with?

• A contemporary preppy look with classic black loafers

This androgynous look is revisited with classic studded black loafers, cigarette grey pants and a long-sleeved white shirt with a classic collar. Accessorize with a colorful fanny pack or mini handbag and a gold pendant necklace for a streetwear touch.

• A steamy summer look with moccasins Dr Martens

The chic, timeless black smoothes from Dr Martens go very well with dark blue pinstripe pants or raw black skinny jeans, a bardot collar blouse with cropped, oversized ruffles. A colorful headband and a pair of dangling earrings will bring color and freshness to your outfit.

• A professional look with loafers

A classic women's top and bottom set with a classic oversized blazer jacket and high-waisted, loose-fitting pants in plain or vertical stripes to elongate and slim your silhouette. Finish off your suit and loafer outfit with feminine, discreet and glamorous accessories: flea or pearl earrings, a satchel handbag to carry your personal effects and computer with you, and a pretty gold or silver bangle bracelet, depending on your skin tone...

• A girly look with moccasins

The girly trends of the 2000s have been making a comeback in recent months, and to capitalize on this unexpected comeback, we've opted for wide-leg jeans with a white ruffled crop top and a pair of classic loafers.