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.
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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.