You might have seen a little detailing on the front of some loafers. Those are tassel loafers and currently quite popular in style. But how did most influencers and celebrities suddenly incorporate this footwear style? Actually, it was in style for a long time and today people have revamped it for the vintage era vibe.
The trendsetters have realized that Gen Z has a knack for experimentation. It holds true for footwear as well. Hence, they are promoting tassel loafers instead of casual men’s slip-ons.
But have you wondered where it all began? Who came up with detailing ideas on men’s shoes? We will explore everything in this blog and also get some insights about the 21st-century tassel loafer trends.
Origin of tassels
There are two tales of tassel loafers. Both are equally interesting! The first one states it all began in the early 20th century. The first pair of men’s tassel loafers was made by Alden Shoe Company. The footwear was introduced in the 1930s. However, people consider them casual slip-on shoes for men. The tassels hardly made any difference for the middle or upper-middle class. One thing is for sure - they truly made a fashion statement in that era.
The second story revolves around Paul Lukas. He was a Hungarian actor and popular Oscar winner in 1943. I got his award for "Watch on the Rhine." Lukas had bought a pair of oxfords in Europe. These shoes had small leather tassels at the end of the laces. He was mesmerized by its uniqueness and decided to create a similar version.
Paul approached the New York firm Farkas & Kovacs in 1948. The company made some modifications to the original design. They added lacing along the shoe’s opening. Lukas loved the design but he wasn’t happy with the overall aesthetics.
So, he took the right shoe to Lefcourt in New York and the left shoe to Morris Shoemakers in Los Angeles. That is how tassel loafers were launched in the North American market. Surely, they had a long journey from Europe.
Evolution of tassel loafers
Fashion designers during the 50s realized the potential of the model. They recognized the elegance of the tassel and decided to take it beyond casual style. It was introduced in their line-up, where the stores Lefcourt and Morris had exclusive premieres of it.
They instantly got sold out. Soon, the Ivy League students saw it and requested makers to make it more formal, something like penny loafers. Makers produced different leather variants of loafers within a year.
Still today the shoe model is very much loved and looks very similar to the first version almost 60 years ago. Basically, all shoe brands have a version of the tassel loafer in their range. The United States was the first to accept tassel loafers for business attire. However, many (including myself) have a hard time with the tassels. Why? The tassel loafer will always be a bit of a divider. So, you have to be experimental and futuristic to stay relevant. That’s exactly what most people have done over the years to keep the tassel culture alive. Here is a deep dive into their experimental phase:
After Ivy League students, people started wearing tassel loafers as an alternative to lace-ups. They were a style statement in weddings, award ceremonies, and even polo matches. The style gained popularity beyond college campuses by the 1960s and 1970s. It became a mainstay in men’s wardrobes. However, they did not stop there.
Tassel loafers continued to attract the growing business class who appreciated their understated elegance. Manufacturers launched more diverse shades apart from classic black and brown.
Later during the 1980s, tassel loafers became iconic in professional wear. It symbolized the “yuppie” (young urban professional) movement. Wall Street professionals used the shoes for their association with affluence and ambition. Moreover, designers were experimenting with sleeker aesthetics and finer leather finishes for the upper class.
The 90s also saw a shift in tassel loafers as manufacturers began to incorporate more casual materials. It made them versatile for semi-formal and weekend looks. The 2000s was all about the “business casual” as the dress codes in workplaces started changing. Men paired tassel loafers with chinos and blazers to blend formality with comfort.
The 2010s was the rise of “Facebook” and “YouTube”. Every other teenager wanted to style differently. So, it marked a turning point for tassel loafers as the style began to appeal to men and women. Manufacturers expanded into unisex designs and guess which were the most sold-out colors? Pink, purple, brown, and white - All thanks to the “Mean Girls” movie! Lastly, 2020 saw a weird world for footwear because of the pandemic.
However, they made their mark post-covid. Gen Zs and millennials across the globe realized the importance of tassels. As a result, tassel loafers continue to evolve with sustainable materials and more inclusive designs.
The changing trends in modern world
Gen Zs are all about innovation and experimentation. So, they like to take tassel loafers in a casual universe. Although many Gen Y and millennials stick to formal outfits, the younger generation likes variety. You can say the audience today is divided into two types: Old-school men and Trendsetting men.
If you are in the first category, you can pair black tassel loafers with a gray suit and matching socks. This outfit is suitable for parties, weddings, formal ceremonies, matches, and date nights.
However, you can lose the socks and switch to blue or white jeans. Finish the look with suede brown loafers and you can slay a casual style with tassels.
If you want to stand out in the crowd and take experimentation to the next level, go for maroon or blue loafers. They would look completely different with socks and a navy suit.
Vintage is another intriguing style when it comes to tassel loafers. The tassel is purely decorative which can give it a playful vibe.
So, you can go all monochrome like an all-black/all-beige suit and pair it with matching tassel loafers. The style should evoke a throwback to that vintage and classic era.
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