The well-known Mary Janes or merceditas are a timeless classic in women’s footwear, recognizable by their distinctive strap across the instep and their romantic, elegant style. But have you ever wondered where their name comes from and why this term became so popular?
The name Mary Jane comes from an American comic strip published in the early 20th century. In 1902, cartoonist Richard Felton Outcault created a comic called Buster Brown, featuring a wealthy boy, his dog, and his sister, Mary Jane. The latter wore the typical shoes of the time: black, round-toed, with a strap across the instep. The comic was so successful that the footwear associated with one of the main characters took on a new name: Mary Jane.
Although originally a children's shoe, Mary Janes were eventually embraced by women’s fashion. In the 1920s and 1930s, many women began wearing them with low heels as part of a refined and modern look. Since then, the design has evolved but retained its essence: a closed shoe with a strap or buckle across the instep. These shoes, also known as merceditas, have been worn by some of the most iconic fashion muses. Gabrielle Coco Chanel wore them in 1920; Jane Birkin made them her own in the 70s; and today, Sarah Jessica Parker turns them into a true style icon.
They were mainly made of patent leather, like our Lolina Mary Janes or our Charlotte Mary Janes in Taupe, but over time, they have adapted to all kinds of styles and materials.
In Spanish, especially in countries like Spain, this style of shoe is known as “merceditas.” The term originated in Spain in the year 1878.
Queen María de las Mercedes of Orléans, commonly known as “Merceditas,” married King Alfonso XII, creating one of the most iconic love stories in the history of Spanish royal dynasties. Their romance was intense but very brief, as Merceditas fell ill and died just five months after their wedding. Interestingly, a song was dedicated to her that referenced this type of shoe—merceditas—since it was one of the wedding gifts Alfonso gave to his wife.
Today, Mary Janes—or merceditas—remain a symbol of classic elegance, versatility, and a certain nostalgic charm. From school uniforms to haute couture runways, this style has proven to be much more than a trend: it is a piece with history, character, and timeless style.
Whether you call them Mary Janes or merceditas, the truth is these shoes have walked through generations, leaving their mark on both fashion and collective memory. At MONPIEL, we’re passionate about such an elegant shoe. Browse our collection and fall in love just like we did!
