Delman

Herman B. (1895-1955). American shoe entrepreneur. Delman, a proponent of both glamorous style and innovative craftsmanship, founded one of the oldest and most prestigious U.S. footwear brands. Born in Portersville, California, he launched his shoe company in 1919 after returning from World War I, quickly targeting stars and socialites as his clients. He opened his first store in Hollywood and a second in New York on Madison Avenue, but by 1933 had closed them to focus on manufacturing. In the midst of the Depression, Delman’s shoes fetched as much as $500 a pair, and the company was producing 2,500 pairs a week. The company’s list of famous clients included Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy. Delman was known as both an innovator and a keen encourager of young design talent, and was one of the first to hire young shoe designer Roger Vivier in the 1930s. In 1954, Genesco bought the company, resulting in a major expansion. In 1973, Debenham acquired Genesco and with it the Delman brand.