The Origins of the Heels
Manolo says, the Manolo’s amusing and smart internet friends at the blog of the Mental Floss magazine are discussing the origins of the high heels.
How did women get to the point of wanting to look like genetically-modified hooved freaks? They should start by blaming ancient Egyptians and Greeks, 16th-century European nobles, and Louis XIV, all of whom helped set the trend.
As one would imagine, this topic it is of great interest to the Manolo, who is the most avid amateur historian of the shoe.
I must say, the shoe on the Mental Floss post is gorgeous. The fashion choices of people in power can make an impact whether they are good or bad, but I think Louis XIV was right on this one.
Two things-
To make short men taller.
To make women’s legs look longer and to accentuate the derriere.
Basicially, it’s Darwinian. Our genes make us do what it takes for them to get passed to the next generation.
Eeeeeh! I love Mental Floss! The featured shoe, however, not so much. It’s kind of scary…
I recently did a research report on just this subject. It was fascinating to learn that they were first designed for men, and now loved by women everywhere. If you would like a copy of my research report, please contact me. I am happy to share.