Stars and Stripes Slippers, Elizabeth Keckley

These men’s stars and stripes boudoir slippers are attributed to Elizabeth Keckley. These were likely commissioned in circa 1865 by Mrs. Gideon Welles as a gift for her husband, Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln. The body of the shoes is composed of red and white crochet stripes with a navy band and scattered white stars across the vamp. They contain a flat, leather sole and are edged in a twisted blue and red cord. Keckley, who was born enslaved, frequently designed dresses for First Lady Mary Lincoln. The two developed both a business partnership during Mrs. Lincoln's time in the White House as well as a friendship during that time.