1960 | Polka dots and crystal glass | (L) Unknown model - (R) Rock candy
Beth & Herbert Levine
Source: The Corpus Christi Caller-Times (Corpus Christi, Texas) | March 6, 1960
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CHOICE PICKINGS FROM OUR SPRING FASHION CROP
The freshest, brightest shoes for your spring wardrobe … here with a new and different look … the look of Herbert Levine. Built on the famous Cyrano last with pencil slim heels. Feature red polka dots or navy and white polka dots dress up the silk shoe, and trimmed with a black calf tip and gold railheads, 36.95.
Lilac lustre on white lustre calf gives untold beauty to a mammoth cluster of rock candy crystal. 38.95.
Source: The Corpus Christi Caller-Times (Corpus Christi, Texas) | March 6, 1960
The model on the right is called "Rock Candy" and it was prominently featured in many stand-alone advertisements (see below). The one on top remains unnamed (for now) and the undated photograph here below - taken form the dormant Herbert Levine facebook page - doesn't help either.
1960 | Cyrano last and polka dots is all we know
Beth & Herbert Levine
Source: Herbert Levine
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ROCK-CANDY BY HERBERT LEVINE
Cut crystals, like rock candy gone sophisticated, decorated the slenderly squared toe of this elegant black patent slipper, also available in White Pearlized calf, 36.95.
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald (Waco, Texas) | June 17, 1960
1960 | Beth & Herbert Levine
The model “Rock Candy”
Source: Abilene Reporter News | January 24, 1960
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HERBERT’S LEVINE “ROCK CANDY”
Most captivating shoe of the season … bespeaking the finesse and grandeur of the inimitable Herbert Levine. Peaked toe opera on a slim stiletto heel; glistening black patent with a cluster of crystal-cut glass balls strung together with golden wires. Devastating! 37,95
Source: The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana) | March 20, 1960
1960 | Beth & Herbert Levine
The model “Rock Candy”
Source: ebay (picture)/ Democrat And Chronicle | March 16, 1960
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Besides the rock crystals, another feature of this model is the clipped point, although barely visible in the actual shoe and largely ignored in other ads.
1960 | Beth & Herbert Levine
The model “Rock Candy” | “clipped” toe detail
Source: ebay
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1960 | Beth & Herbert Levine
The model “Rock Candy”
The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana) | March 20, 1960
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The “Rock Candy” design is the upgraded version of a model marketed September/October 1958; the book “Beth Levine Shoes” called it “White Grapes” but it is debatable what the actual name is. Both models were designed with the celebrated Cyrano last.
1958 | Beth & Herbert Levine
White Grapes pump
Source: “Beth Levine Shoes”
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1958 | Beth & Herbert Levine
Purple Grapes pump
Source: Pinterest
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I N D E X
1958 | Beth & Herbert Levine
B&W Grapes pump (far right)
Source: Detroit Free Press | September 21, 1958
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