The origins of heels can be traced back to the 10th Century, dating back to when Persian soldiers wore heels whilst riding, keeping their feet secure whilst stood up in the stirrups. They were a very practical item of clothing originally made for men. By the 16th Century, high heels made their way across Europe. They soon became symbolic of wealth and status, the richer you were the higher the heel. By the late 17th Century women also started to wear heels, for fashion. Here is a brief history of heels over the decades, outlining the different style changes over time.
The roaring 20’s popularised heels, introducing more stylish shoes with buckle detailing. This was because skirts were made shorter and for the first time shoes were on show. During the 30’s women were still wearing heels but comfort over style was the priority. Low square heels were popular and low-heeled Oxfords took off during this time. It was a time of liberation for women and heels reflected the excitement.
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During the 40’s wedges became popular due to rationing on on certain raw materials like leather. Designers invented new ways of creating shoes from cheap more available resources like cork. Versatile designs of the wedge meant they were a very popular style. A reason for the popularity in heels was due to their uniqueness which allowed women to develop their own style. The 1950s created the stiletto, due to advancements in technology, heels were made higher and thinner, similar to heels seen today.
Associations of femininity made heels a symbolic item for making women appear sexier. Their symbolic values made them popular amongst celebrities. Additionally, film was a huge influence on fashion during this period. Marilyn Monroe, a fashion icon of the 50s, helped the heel trend to gain worldwide momentum and popularity.
“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she’ll conquer the world”
Marilyn Monroe
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During the 60’s taller heels began to decline in popularity and in came the lower kitten heels due to their comfort. Women were tired of wearing uncomfortable heels for men as they became a cultural symbol of female sexuality. Over the decades popularity of the heel has shifted massively in relation to social and cultural happenings.
However, during the 70’s heels were being worn to make a statement after a slight decline in popularity during the 60’s. This decade introduced many new designs and aesthetics due to the boho/ hippie inspired style at the time. Musicians were also influential for fashion, popular groups introduced fashion that was seen as edgy. Men also started wearing platform heels, bands started getting involved, wearing heels reflective of rock and roll genre music-popular at that time. Favoured designs included over-the-knee high heeled boots and platform style heels.
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The 80’s invited heels with chucky straps and bright colours. With new bright colours becoming popular, patent leather was the material on trend of the decade. The 90’s trend was each pair of heels were supposed to match each outfit. In 1996 single sole heels were on trend and designers including Christian Louboutin, one of the most famous high-end stiletto designers, gained momentum and popularity.
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Throughout history heels have come and gone, moving with the times. Today, heels reflect the influence of different decades and past designs. With Christian Louboutin inspired by Louis XIV, heels are a big part of fashion history.
References
Artsandculture.google.com (2022) [Online] Available from: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/marilyn-monroe-and-the-power-of-her-4-inch-stiletto-heel-museosalvatoreferragamo/6wVh3jSoo2FJJw?hl=en[Accessed 26/03/2022]
Christian Louboutin (2022) Bibliography [Online] Available from: https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/people/christian-louboutin [Accessed 26/03/2022]
Londonrunway.co.uk (2021) The history of heels [Online] Available from: https://londonrunway.co.uk/2019/09/11/the-history-of-high-heels/ [Accessed 26/03/2022]
Vintagedancer.com (2010) [Online] Available from:https://vintagedancer.com/1940s/1940s-womens-shoes-styles/ [Accessed 27/03/2022]
Stimpert (2021) The most far out shoes of the 1970’s [Online] Available from: https://www.liveabout.com/the-most-far-out-shoes-of-the-1970s-top-footwear-styles-and-trends-2987831 [Accessed 27/03/2022]
Image References
Insider.com (2020) What heels looked like the year you were born [Online] Available from: https://www.insider.com/heels-each-year-2018-8#1920-1924-buckle-shoes-were-the-big-thing-1 [Accessed 26/03/2022]
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