History of Stiletto Heels

High heeled shoes went through several distinct phases during their long and eventful history. They served as a items that showcased wealth and status from the times our earliest civilizations, slowly became accepted by the lower class citizens of both sexes, and eventually become widespread female fashion object that very successfully showcases their sexuality, elegance and body. However, the road that eventually led us to the tremendous fashion revolution of Stiletto heels was not an easy one. High heeled shoes as a whole went through many waves of coming in and falling out from fashion, not only in mediaeval and modern times, but also in the last few decades. The one type of shoe that constantly managed to return to popularity was a Stiletto heel design, which since its inception in 1950s Italy became one of the most popular female shoe designs of all time.

The first appearance of thin high heels in female shoes can be traced to the late 19th and early 20th century, when some females started wearing it more as a symbol of sex and femininity. Solid evidence of their existence came in 1940s when photographers captured images of singer Parisian singer Mistinguett with her thin heeled and tall shoes that were created by famous French shoe designerAndré Perugia (today best known for his “heel-less” female shoe).

Design of the Stiletto that we know today came from the mind of the French fashion designerRoger Vivier who in 1954 created first model of stiletto shoes in the world. He discarded thick wooden heels, and replaced them with think and long metal rod that enabled females to much more emphasize their body line and sexuality (rising of the heel above the surface has a very positive effects on changing the form female buttocks, breasts and entire body line). Which such explosive and (in those times) controversial design, it was no wonder that stiletto shoes became instant fashion hit around the world, becoming one of the most common sexual fetish item on the market.

However, even with such seductive power stiletto shoes went through several fashion changes which had great impact on their popularity. Since their introduction in 1950s, they slowly went out style in 1960s, only to triumphantly return during 1970s when new “needle” style came into fashion. Stilettos remained in regular use until 1990s when business and college females almost completely switch to high heeled shoes with blockier and larger heels. In the early years of 21st century business environment changed slightly, enabling women to introduce stiletto into working environment and casual wear.

Even though incredible sexual appeal and striking designs comes at the price of comfort, millions of woman around the world are willing to accept the undeniable benefits of this type of footwear and proudly wear them in public, collecting the attention and building up their appearance of “femme fatale”.