Through the pages of fashion: where did high-heeled shoes come from

In the twenty-first century, women cannot imagine life without heels. Stilettos have become a symbol of femininity and sophistication, they are able to add charm to the most ordinary look. However, few people know where this type of shoe came from. History leads to Ancient Egypt, to the distant times of the pharaohs, slavery and worship of heavenly deities. Even then, platform sandals were considered a jewel that only the wealthy upper classes could afford. Later, the fashion for heels was picked up in Turkish harems, and in ancient Japan they came up with a kind of slippers with two wooden bars at the bottom - "geta", which protected the kimono from dirt when walking.

Europe appreciated heels only during the Baroque. First, men's over the knee boots with a square heel came into fashion, they were comfortable when riding horses, because the leg was easily fixed in the stirrup. In 1680, such tall models reached the peak of popularity, in which the ladies could not even move freely, and sticks came to the rescue. Then the kings first began to issue laws that would establish the height of shoes in accordance with status. Interestingly, the shoes of the nobles began to be marked with bright red marks. The Ukrainian gentry was also not inferior to Western culture, so every wife or daughter of a Cossack foreman had high-heeled shoes. Such shoes were expensive, bought for years and for special celebrations, such as going to the temple.

In the 17th century, there was a revolution in the world of shoes. In England, women were publicly burned in heels because they were considered sorceresses who wanted to seduce men. In France, the “Napoleonic era” began, during which flat booties were popular. In those days, dance art was valued, and what could be more convenient for such a thing than soft, leather slippers. Until 1950, women did not know what a hairpin was. The Italian Salvatore Ferragamo was the first to propose replacing a metal rod instead of a support. But in 1953, heels boldly go beyond the design workshops. The couturier of the house of Dior, Roger Vivier, created, inlaid with rubies, shoes with a thin stiletto heel for the crowning of Elizabeth. Two years later, these shoes are gaining popularity among celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor.

Today, there are dozens of options for high-heeled shoes on the shelves of stores, so it’s not difficult for fashionistas to find the perfect pair even for every day. We can say with confidence that the history of hairpins has not yet been completed, and stylish styles will not stop decorating the legs of the fair sex.