Stiletto Dagger

The History and Evolution of the High Heel

The high heel dates back further than we can imagine. While we think of the heel as only a part of modern style, depictions of women in heels are seen from as far back as ancient Egypt.

Heels were worn by both men and women throughout the world for centuries. There are different types of heels each worn in different eras for different reasons. When shoes were made in two pieces in the 1500s, the heel was the additional second portion. The heel made horseback riding more practical as one could use their heel from slipping in the stirrups. The rider’s heel was initially 1 to 1.5 inches in height and resembled the modern cowboy boot.

Then along came the women’s high heel, a shoe thought to be first worn by Catherine de’ Medici in 1533 when she wed the Duke of Orleans. Being Italian, she had her dress and heels made in Italy for the occasion. With this fashion statement, Italian heels became common for ladies of the Duke’s court in France.

Heels were worn for style and to increase one’s height. The short monarch Mary Tudor was known for wearing the highest heels possible.

Were their heel designers? Definitely but few had made history. One of the first named designer shoemakers was Nicholas Lestage who designed heeled shoes for Louis XIV in 1660. Louis XIV shoes were designed with heels more than four inches in height and decorated with various battle scenes. The “Louis heels”  then became fashionable for ladies. The heels had a concave curve and outward taper at the bottom and were also commonly worn by Madame de Pompadour and therefore were later called Pompadour heels.

In the latter part of the 18th century, the heel size lowered – many think this is due to the French Revolution. High heels were associated with royalty and opulence. People at this time wanted to appear common rather than wealthy.

Jump forward hundreds of years to the 1930s and again we saw the high heel in the form of the stiletto. This long and thin heel was found on shoes and boots. It was named after the stiletto dagger. It came in varying heights from 1 inch to as high as 10 inches.

The design and shape of the stiletto would change over the years and eventually by the 50s be designed in a way to provide a woman’s shoe with stronger support. The stiletto prior would often break. But designer Kristin S. Wagner came up with the idea of inserting a supporting metal shaft or stem embedded into the heel. This allowed the stiletto to become even thinner and more dagger like. With the technological change came design changes and the revival of the heal could said to be attributed to both Wagner and shoe designer Roger Vivier.

Along side the stiletto was also a shorter heeled shoe. The shoe that sported a heel of around 1.5 inches to 2 inches was called the kitten heel. This heel was short and slender with a slight curve setting the heel in from the edge of the shoe. The kitten heel was made popular by actress Audrey Hepburn.

Heel height and style has become quite eclectic today, allowing women to wear whatever heel they prefer and love. Whether it is a stylish boot or dress wear, the heel will always add a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a <a href=”http://www.cottonisland.com”>womens fashion boutique</a>. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The <a href=”http://www.cottonisland.com”>womens boutique</a> can be found at <a href=”http://www.cottonisland.com”>http://www.cottonisland.com</a>.

About the Author

Sheila Harris is the general manager of Cotton Island a <a href=”http://www.cottonisland.com”>womens fashion boutique</a>. Cotton Island always carries the newest and freshest styles that won’t break your pocketbook. The <a href=”http://www.cottonisland.com”>womens boutique</a> can be found at <a href=”http://www.cottonisland.com”>http://www.cottonisland.com</a>.

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