Cause A Frockus

David Evins

Sep 22, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns

We love a great shoe and we’re not alone! The list of amazing vintage shoe designers is long and up toward the top of this collection of innovators: David Evins. Admittedly, we weren’t as familiar with his name or work – but now that we’ve learned more about him we’re inspired. Join us and find out why this designer is one of our favorites!

Who is David Evins?

Born in the United Kingdom at the turn of the century, he came to the United States at the age of thirteen. A creative child, he continued his education at NYU and completed his graduate work at the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Evins had a keen eye for aesthetics and this talent proved valuable during his time as an illustrator. He was always concerned with the complete picture: details and the overall composition. By a twist of fate this very asset proved a liability in the illustrating field and subsequently it jump-started an entirely new career for him – shoe designer.

Here’s the scoop: while re-working a storyboard for Vogue, Evins’ boss reprimanded him for spending too much time focusing on shoe sketches. In fact, his boss fired him for what he saw as a lack of efficiency. Putting ourselves in Evins’ place, that had to be a tough moment. Obviously landing a job at Vogue was just as coveted then as it is now and being let go in such a dramatic fashion had to sting. But instead of letting the criticism pain him, Evins gave it some thought and decided his heart did lie in the world of shoes after all. Lucky for us he took on this new dream with enthusiasm!

Evins worked as a pattern maker for a while, but in 1941 he got a big break and was able to make and distribute shoes under his own name. Six years later, he and his brother Lee opened up a factory in New York City. But it’s important to note that his talent was recognized early on (even before the production deal in ’41). Celebrities flocked to him as the designs he crafted for his clientele were personal. Each shoe was built with a personality in mind – even if that personality was a character in a film.

What David Evins is known for

Pick a name from a hat filled with golden age cinematic starlets and she’s probably worn an Evins creation. His influence on Hollywood style was nearly limitless: Claudette Colbert, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland… the list goes on. This reach earned him the title “king of pumps” and made him a “go-to” for any major film production.

His body of work reveals some really fun facts: he designed a multi-colored wedge sandal for Claudette Colbert in the 1934 Cleopatra production and years later, in 1963, designed the gold mules for Elizabeth Taylor. His platform slingbacks with rhinestone detailing set soldiers’ hearts a flutter as they graced their pinup girls’ pretty toes. Who did Grace Kelly trust with her shoe design for her wedding to Prince Rainier? David Evins, of course. That iconic scene in The Seven Year Itch – yep, those sandals are an Evins creation. He shoed Ava Gardner for her iconic role in The Barefoot Contessa and helped Judy Garland make the chunky pump look famous.

All these amazing pieces add up to a sum of extraordinary designs. In the late 1940s the fashion industry took note, awarding him the Coty Award. By the 1950s, he acquired a factory in France and developed new techniques that would help make shoes both comfortable and effortlessly stylish. Like other designers at the time – the quest for a light-weight shoe was the goal. A few years later, Evins revealed his collection, known as the six ounce shoe, which retailed at a high price but gave the wearer an unparalleled experience.

Beyond the big screen and the everyday lady, Evins quietly assumed the role of “shoe designer to the First Lady.” He shoed every First Lady, from Mamie Eisenhower to Nancy Reagan. Evins’ work has danced in the most fabulous of balls and been admired by movie-goers worldwide, but perhaps what’s most extraordinary about his work – his shoes are just as comfortable giving the average woman a pep in her step! Evins passed away in 1991, leaving a legacy of not only great design – but great courage in the face of adversity.

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Cause A Frockus would like to thank their tremendous resources: The New York Times, Fashion Model Directory, and the people who post their images without restriction.

For our readers: We love Evins’ perseverance. Have you ever had to take a moment of criticism and turn it around to use it for inspiration?

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