Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Mastery of Design: The Flato Foot Brooch, 1940-50

Pair of Brooches
Paul Flato
U.S., 1940-1950
The Victoria & Albert Museum



Paul Flato (1900-1999), an American designer, was at his creative and peak during the 1930s and 40s as he became known for his innovative designs and whimsical pieces of jewelry which became fashionable amongst society ladies and Hollywood starlets alike. 



Flato was, however, most popular with style-setting actresses like Greta Garbo who wore his jewels in “Two-Faced Woman” and Rita Hayworth who wore them in “Blood and Sand.” Others, such as Joan Crawford, enjoyed his work and proudly displayed Flato’s jewels on their elegant evening outfits.

Among the more whimsical of his designs is this pair of brooches in the form of gold feet with ruby toes. The pair was made in the U.S. between 1940 and 1950. Designed as clips, the pair would have been worn on either side of an open bodice, or, even on shoes.  






No comments: