Trend Alert: Mary Janes
Hi Y'all!
I'm sure that at least once in your life (especially when you were a baby), you’ve worn shoes called BABIES or MARY JANES. Guess what? They’re back in fashion—and they are not just for kids!
But what are Mary Janes? They are (primarily) flat shoes with a rounded toe and a strap or band that goes over the top of the foot, fastening with a buckle, button, or even Velcro. They are meant to be very flexible and comfortable. They are highly popular for babies as well as young children. They are also considered as dress shoes for special occasions or to wear to school.
The shoes which can be traced back to the England with King Henry VIII, became popular in the early 20th century. At that time, they were worn by both boys and girls. The name "Mary Jane" is believed to have originated when the Brown Shoe Company acquired the advertising rights from Richard F. Outcault, who had created the comic strip, Buster Brown. Mary Jane was Buster Brown's sister or girlfriend. Gradually, the shoe became exclusively associated with girls and later with women, who wore them with their flapper dresses in the 1920s.
The shoes come in and out of (Western) fashion for women, with different variations. In the 90s, they were popularized by artists such as Courtney Love and movies such as Clueless. Nowadays, we see them with heels, a T-strap, or even a platform. Most women love this shoe because it is the sister of the ballet flat. But it is much more stylish. It also has a nostalgic and playful touch. Since 2024, it has made a strong comeback, with several designers—including Prada, Miu Miu, and Louboutin—featuring it in their collections.
I grew up wearing and loving the Mary Janes. I owned several pairs while in primary and secondary schools. I remember that at some point in the 80s, everyone was rocking the Bensimon brand. I also had a version of the shoes in secondary school. They were the perfect addition to my school uniform.
Grown women rarely wear the shoes in my country. They prefer mules, which is more adapted to the weather and is more mature. Moreover, the mules with or without heels, seem to pair better with the traditional clothes we have, or at least that is the general thinking. Mary Janes are reserved to small children.
Personally, I adore the shoes. I always purchase it in some form or another over the years. I currently have four pairs in my wardrobe: three flat ones in pink velvet, black, and leopard print, and one heeled pair in navy blue. No need to spend a fortune—I found mine at the thrift market. But if you're looking, you can find great options at Aldo, Mango, or Numéro Uno in Dakar.
I could not resist this sporty pair of Mary Jane’s bought at Numero Uno while I was drafting this post.
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