Resources / Brands / Delman
Delman
The Delman label, established by Herman Delman in 1919, has long been renowned for finely crafted shoes. It is one of the oldest and most respected salon brands in American footwear. A great many twentieth century style setters, including Katherine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich wore Delman shoes.
Delman brand was started by Herman Delman, the son of a shoe store owner from Portland, Oregon, USA, as a made-to-order shop on Madison Avenue, New York. Gradually he expanded into the ready-to-wear and he was on of the first to understand the importance of brand recognition. In 1936 he formed licensing agreement with Rayne in the UK, allowing Rayne to produce Delman shoes for the UK market. He successfully cooperated with many famous shoes designers, especially Roger Vivier.
In 1940 Delman opened shop-in-shop in Bergdorf's, which was followed by one in Sax Fifth Avenue. He retired in 1954 and after his death the following year the manufacturing and retail business was bought by shoe-retail conglomerate Genesco, which sold the Delman business in 1961 to Rayne on condition that it would keep the brand for at least 10 years. In 1973 the Rayne-Delman was acquired by the British department store Debenhams, which in turn sold the Delman interest in 1987 to Sam Wyly, who closed the business in 1988. Since 1989 Delman brand belongs to Nina Footwear Co.,
Today, Delman presents sleek silhouettes, luxuriously finished, that work from Park Avenue to Palm Beach and beyond. Signature styles are updated with contemporary flair and crafted in finest Italian leathers - soft, supple patents and refined suedes and kidskins. Delman appeals to the woman who appreciates refined, luxurious shoes that are innovative, yet timeless.