A History Of High Heels

The origin of high heels can be dated back to many centuries ago. The first precursors of high heels were discovered in a tomb in old Egypt. Shoes in the past mainly served as markers of gender, class, and race and so on. After centuries' development, high heels gradually become a fashion. Today let's take a look at the history of high heels.

In 1430s people were asked to not to wear chopines (a kind of high-heels then) in Venice. As a matter of fact, the invention of formal high heels attributes to an Italian bride Catherine d'Medici who married at 14 to the Duke of Orleans. She wore shoes with two-inch heels to lengthen high heels. And then this kind of shoes was soon introduced into fashion among European aristocracy. Leonardo was said to be the inventor of high heels. In the late 16th century, fashionable heels were popular for both sexes, and a person who was powerful and rich was often referred to as "well-heeled".



In the early 1700s, France King Louisc wore intricate heels decorated with miniature battle scenes. The shoes won the name of "Louise heels" which were as tall as five inches. The king decreed that only nobility could wear heels and others heels should lower than his own. During the course of the century, heels became higher and slender, which could present feminine court style. In this way, high heels took on a refine, pure aristocratic and desirable look.

In the late 18th century, "Louise heels" disappeared with French revolution and Napoleon banished high heels to show equality. The heels were no longer the symbols of social status and wealth.

Trend to lower heels came into being. Due to influence of Rococo style, gorgeous costumes became people's favorites. The shoes were usually made of satin, woven cotton and budge. The shoes are decorated with fine embroidery and precious stones and also with shoes buckles.

In 1860 heels again became a fashion which resulted from Industrial Revolution. Many inventions in industry and technology made great contribution to the development of high heels. The sewing machine allowed greater variety in high heels. The flourishing and blossom in economy and literature speed up the fashion of high heels.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, women's comfort received increasing attention. Visible and elaborate heels were encouraged to produce. High heels in lower and wider made up lion's share in the market.

During the last 60 years, high heels have fallen in and out of fashion several times. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, people were fond of wearing lower heels and in the late 1980s and early 1990s people preferred high heels. The shape of fashionable shape has also varied from block to taper and stiletto.

Nowadays, high heeled shoes have become one of symbols of women. High heels made of different materials including satin and feather and so on are available in the market. The height of high heels can be as low as 1 inch or as high as 12 inches. Wearing high heels can enhance femininity of women and women look more slender and taller. The pursuit for happiness and beauty results in the fast growth of high heels today.