The tasselled loafer (or moccasin) is as American as apple pie, a true Made in USA original. The tassel embellishment owes its beginnings to a debonair man-about-town named Paul Lukas. In the 1940s the penny loafer was at the height of its popularity and Lukas was looking for something different. Having recently been impressed by a pair of oxfords with tasselled laces, he approached his shoemaker and asked that tassels replace the strap of his penny loafer; thus the tasselled loafer was born. This is a wonderfully versatile shoe; best worn with an odd jacket and trousers, it also goes well with jeans and especially cotton trousers. Many also wear it to dress down a suit, though be sure to wear cuffed suit trousers! These should be mandatory for any well-dressed gentleman. Alden: the greatest American shoemaker, period. Charles H Alden founded The Alden Shoe Company in Middleborough, Massachusetts in 1884. Throughout the company?s history, Alden has relied upon maintaining its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. While most shoe manufacturing shifted overseas during the latter 20th Century, Alden has prospered as a maker of comfortable, durable and handsome dress shoes.