Rare Wiener Werkstätte Evening Shoes by Josef Hoffmann, Vienna circa 1910

Exceptional Austrian Art Nouveau Fashion with Authentic Wiener Werkstätte Medallions

These extraordinary antique evening shoes from circa 1910 are a rare surviving example of Austrian Art Nouveau fashion and the innovative design culture of early twentieth-century Vienna. Crafted from elegant black silk, the shoes are adorned with striking oval enamel medallions featuring the celebrated “Blätter” (Leaves) design by Josef Hoffmann, co-founder of the renowned Wiener Werkstätte.

Executed in brass and white enamel by Johann Souval for the Wiener Werkstätte, each medallion measures approximately 2.9 × 3.2 cm and is stamped “WW” on the reverse, confirming its authenticity and dating the mounts to around 1910. Original fashion accessories incorporating authentic Wiener Werkstätte elements are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors of Viennese Secession, Jugendstil design, and museum-quality historic fashion.

Josef Hoffmann and the Legacy of the Wiener Werkstätte

Founded in 1903 by Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, and patron Fritz Waerndorfer, the Wiener Werkstätte GmbH became one of the most influential artistic movements of the twentieth century. Dedicated to uniting fine art, craftsmanship, and everyday life, the workshop produced iconic designs ranging from jewelry, furniture, and fashion accessories to interior design objects that embodied the ideals of the Viennese Secession.

With international boutiques in New York, Berlin, and Zurich, the Wiener Werkstätte achieved worldwide recognition before its closure in 1932. Today, authentic objects produced by the workshop are among the most desirable collectibles in the fields of Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, and early modern design. Shoes retaining their original WW enamel medallions are rarely encountered on the market and represent an exceptional intersection of historic fashion and decorative arts.

Condition and Collectibility

The shoes remain in very good original antique condition with age-appropriate signs of wear. The black silk displays minor abrasion, several beads are missing, and one insole is broken. The enameled Wiener Werkstätte medallions show light surface wear consistent with their age and authenticity. Please note that shoe trees are not included.

Combining the elegance of Edwardian fashion, the artistic vision of Josef Hoffmann, and the enduring appeal of Wiener Werkstätte design, this remarkable pair represents a rare opportunity for collectors of antique shoes, Viennese Secession art, Jugendstil memorabilia, and museum-worthy fashion history. Far more than decorative footwear, these shoes are tangible witnesses to one of the most influential artistic movements of the early twentieth century.