We loved reading your comments on Facebook last month after we shared a photo of these minimalist and possibly pancake-inspired Palatines mules:
These sleek leather mules by designer Jessica Taft Langdon feature a bold, circular accent that playfully evokes the look of a stylish pancake-inspired design
The Palatines ‘Phaelra’ Mules, $365
Mules have become a versatile staple in modern footwear, seamlessly blending comfort and style. Their backless design allows for easy wear, making them popular for various occasions. For instance, Manolo Blahnik’s Lurum Mules are adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystal leaves, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Celebrities like Lucy Hale have been spotted wearing the iconic Gucci Princetown Mules, showcasing their adaptability in casual settings. For a deeper dive into slip-on shoe styles, including mules, check out our comprehensive guide on the different types of slip-on shoes for women.
Community Reactions: Pancake-Inspired or Minimalist Masterpiece?
While they may not be the ugliest shoes of 2018, our shoe community reacted hard and fast:
These are called “I tried to flip the pancake before it was done”
Now I have a way to carry and hold to my extra drinks or when I’m getting drinks for my table…
The Palestinians should have kept them in that country
At least you have a place to put your drinks
Those fake Reese’s peanut butter cups shoes need to go
Mommy, look what I made in kindergarten!
Come get these peanut butter cookie ass shoes and quit playing!!!
These shoes look like they got suction cups on the top of them!
The Palatines is an emerging Los Angeles footwear brand founded by Jessica Taft Langdon, a shoe designer with a background from Alexander Wang, Catherine Malandrino, Coach, Everlane, and Proenza Schouler. All their shoes are designed and manufactured in Los Angeles.
Modern, minimalist black leather mule from The Palatines with a unique circular accent and a sturdy block heel
Jessica Taft Langdon: From Kindergarten Dreamer to Designer Visionary
Jessica Taft Langdon’s journey from a shoe-obsessed kindergartener to a trailblazing designer is a testament to her passion for craftsmanship and individuality, as she revealed in a December 2018 LA Times interview. With her Los Angeles-based brand, The Palatines, Langdon has carved out a unique space in the footwear world, blending artistic vision with meticulous attention to detail.
Her fascination with shoes began early. As a kindergartener in Philadelphia, she recalled how even a school trip to the zoo sparked her interest: “I told [my parents] that it was great to go to the zoo because I saw so many different kinds of shoes.” In high school, as she explored her personal style, Langdon found shoes to be the most personal part of her outfits. “I felt like my Dr. Martens were honestly the most expressive thing about me, like that was the better picture of who I was and who I was trying to become,” she shared.
The Palatines ‘Salio’ Origami Mules, $425
Crafting a New Standard: Los Angeles as a Footwear Hub
After studying shoemaking in Milan and working with top fashion houses like Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler, Langdon moved to Los Angeles, where the city’s local shoe factories inspired her. She explained how this shift invigorated her creativity: “I’m somebody who really likes to understand the basis of how things are built before I can really run with creativity and put my own spin on things.”
With The Palatines, Langdon combines timeless style with a commitment to individuality, echoing her brand’s philosophy, inspired by her family history. She explained, “‘Palatine’ meant a place that was self-governed rather than being ruled by the crown directly, and it’s what I was hoping to do with the brand. It’s the idea you’re doing something small and true to yourself in the midst of a larger universe.”
Her designs, ranging from Grecian-inspired sandals to Mary Jane hybrids, often feature unique materials and collaborations, like her partnership with L.A. artist Amanda Antunes. “There are definitely, as someone put it, some boobs on there, although they’re pretty subtle,” Langdon joked about a watercolor-like leather print featured in the collection.
Why The Palatines Stand Out in American Footwear
Langdon’s commitment to local production has also redefined perceptions of high-end footwear made in the U.S. “I love the idea of consumers being able to really notice the difference between something made in China, Florence, and L.A.,” she said, emphasizing her desire to establish Los Angeles as a hub for distinctive, high-quality shoes.
For her growing fan base, which includes Solange, Rashida Jones, and Feist, Langdon’s creations are more than just footwear. “She is somebody who really cares about design and art and an aesthetic,” Langdon said of her ideal customer. As wardrobe stylist Sissy Sainte-Marie Chacon noted, “The designs are intriguing and make a statement while being easy to wear and style around.”
Langdon’s work transcends trends, offering shoes that are wearable statements of design, art, and authenticity, all while staying true to her vision of craftsmanship and creativity.
Exploring the landscape of American-made footwear reveals a rich heritage of craftsmanship and quality. Brands like Red Wing Shoes have produced durable work boots in the U.S. for over a century, while Danner Boots are renowned for their American-made hiking and work boots.
For those interested in sneakers, New Balance offers a line of athletic shoes manufactured domestically. Additionally, our comprehensive guide on 30+ American Footwear Brands Still Proudly Made in the USA provides an extensive overview of domestic manufacturers. These articles offer valuable insights into the rich heritage and craftsmanship of American-made shoes.