The Evolution of High Heels
"I don't know who invented heels, but all women owe him a lot," once said Marilyn Monroe. Her sentiment reflects the integral role high heels play in today’s women’s wardrobes. Whether for a grand celebration, a romantic evening, or a professional setting, high heels enhance elegance, confidence, and femininity.
The Surprising Origins of High Heels
Did you know that high heels were originally worn by men? Ancient Egyptian butchers wore them to avoid getting their feet dirty in pools of blood. Similarly, Mongol warriors under Genghis Khan wore heeled boots to secure their feet in stirrups for better control.
In the 15th century, Venetian women introduced the platform shoe known as Chopines. Designed to keep their silk dresses from the lagoon's waters, these shoes featured soles up to 75 cm high. Due to their impracticality, women often needed assistance to walk in them.
The Evolution of Heels
The 16th century brought significant changes with the introduction of the wedge-heeled shoe, popularised by Catherine de Medici. Her 1533 wedding to the Prince of Orleans saw her debuting a new style at the French court, marking a shift in high heel fashion across Europe.
For centuries, high heels were a symbol of aristocracy, exemplified by Louis XIV's iconic red heels. Red dye was rare and expensive, making red heels a sign of wealth and status. Marie Antoinette also became renowned for her extravagant footwear, though these opulent styles faded with the French Revolution.
Modern High Heels: From Stilettos to Fashion Icons
It wasn’t until 1888 in the USA that stilettos gained popularity. Originally hidden beneath long dresses, these heels eventually became more visible as fashion evolved through the 20th century.
Christian Dior’s 1947 collection featured high heels that would influence fashion globally. Renowned shoemaker Roger Vivier designed the first real stiletto heels, reinforced with steel for durability. The 1970s further cemented high heels as symbols of femininity and style, with skirts rising and heels becoming a staple of chic fashion.
Petite Heels for Small Feet: Elegant and Comfortable
At PiccolaShoes, we specialise in offering luxury handmade petite heels designed to fit and flatter small feet. While we may not be the cheapest or most expensive, we guarantee top-quality, genuine leather heels that offer both style and comfort. Our collection includes everything from classic court heels to trendy party-ready options, all tailored for small sizes.
We stay updated with the latest fashion trends to ensure you find the perfect pair of heels that fit like a glove. If you have specific styles or needs, let us know! We’re here to help shape the future of footwear for petite ladies around the world.
Explore our range of small size heels and experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and style.
1 comment
Ordered trainers, love them.
Website initially said they were in stock turns out they weren’t so they got them made for me. Took a bit longer to arrive but so glad I waited as feel as though walking on air and excellent fit.
Lady I dealt with most most apologetic for delay and even gave me refund of £10 due to method of delivery.
Will definitely be purchasing more shoes from this company! 😊❤️