According to an article in last year’s LA Times, spats are making a comeback.

These shoe-protectors cum fashion statements apparently date back to the 17th century, but had their big moment in late Victorian times. Once they became an essential status item in the ’20s and ’30s they lost fashion currency, and fell into disuse.

Now, specialist spat makers have begun to reappear, and major designers like Chanel, Givenchy and Prada are offering spat-influenced footwear. Genteel and unusual, the spat would make a welcome re-addition to the wardrobes of the smart and stylish.