In 1936, inspired by his depression-era success of providing women with fresh, colorful new fashions and determined to deliver the same in women's footwear, Falk Levine opened a small shoe factory in Middletown, New York. With a flair and affinity for distinct, feminine styles, Falk created the innovative open-toe sandal and the revolutionary mule - a provocative, backless shoe that has remained a staple wardrobe style in women's closets for more than 70 years.
During the decade that followed, the company's style portfolio expanded to include evening dress shoes -- an effort led by Falk's son and protégé Jacques, and the impetus for the new Jacques Levine brand. Post WWII, Jacques began the then-progressive practice of "shopping the world market"-- identifying emerging footwear trends and translating them into designs for the American marketplace. His travels also expanded the company's sourcing capabilities as Jacques established relationships with factories highly-regarded for their their craftsmanship in France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Brazil.
Most symbolic of Jacques' international experience is the iconic Jacques Levine collection still recognized and revered around the world since its launch in 1969: feminine, soft, kidskin slippers crafted in Spain.