High heels are more than a common fashion fad – they are a style statement that has become a part of a woman. A good pair of heels can not only make a woman taller and slender, but also make her feel sexier and more glamorous. The invention of high heels dates back to the 16th century. It is claimed that Catherine De Medici was the original inventor of high heels. She was not more than 5 foot when she got married to Henry II, the future king of France. So in order to amaze the French on her wedding day, she decided to wear 2 inch heels to make her look taller and more attractive than her husband’s alleged mistress.
Heels were a privilege that was enjoyed only by the rich in ancient times. Heels also make their mark in history with Mary Tudor and Marie Antoinette who was famous for wearing 2 inch heels when she was executed. Soon the phrase ‘well heeled’ started getting popular to address the rich. But all was not hunky-dory. The 18th century ushered the controversial period for heels in America; so much so that the Massachusetts colony banned women from wearing them saying that they were used to trap men. Anyone seen wearing heels were seen as witches and prosecuted. Heels were called the ‘cloven hoof of the devil’.
The 20’s saw a revival and an uplift in the image of heels. With hemlines becoming shorter, women started opting for high, slender heels. Hollywood gave the traditional heels a facelift taking them to whole new sparkly and glittering heights. Later Christian Dior invented the stiletto by collaborating with designer Roger Vivier. Did you know that stiletto in Italian means a small dagger? Apt, considering heels are a woman’s fashion weapon of choice!
Christian Louboutin has been a pioneer in heels. His popular red-bottom high heeled shoes, commonly referred to as ‘sammy red-bottoms’ adorn the closet of many women as they look classy with a sexy edge. Based on the kind of dress and occasion, women can choose from a wide variety of heels. Some of the common types of heels are as follows:
Stilettos: As high as it can get. Stilettos can go up to a height of 8 inches and are noted for lengthening women’s legs.
Kitten Heels: Versatile yet stylish, kitten heels are typically stilettos that are less than 2 inches in height and are perfect for tall women.
Pumps: Typically low cut at the front and ranging from 2 to 3 inch heels, pumps go well with formal dressing.
Ankle strap heels: The defining feature here is that a strap goes around the ankle making them comfortable and easy to walk in.
Wedges heels: Heel extends from the back of the shoe to the front having a tread formed by the extension of the sole. They are easy to walk in and perfect for beginners.
Ankle Booties: Ankle-length boots with heels – as simple as that! Ankle booties are great for spring days as they give your look a laidback-yet-chic edge.
Fantasy Heels: These include crazy ideas, futuristic designs and out-of-this-world heels that are just too wild to fall under any other type. Simplicity is the key while wearing these babies as they are statement pieces.
Kitten Heels: Versatile yet stylish, kitten heels are typically stilettos that are less than 2 inches in height and are perfect for tall women.
Pumps: Typically low cut at the front and ranging from 2 to 3 inch heels, pumps go well with formal dressing.
Ankle strap heels: The defining feature here is that a strap goes around the ankle making them comfortable and easy to walk in.
Wedges heels: Heel extends from the back of the shoe to the front having a tread formed by the extension of the sole. They are easy to walk in and perfect for beginners.
Ankle Booties: Ankle-length boots with heels – as simple as that! Ankle booties are great for spring days as they give your look a laidback-yet-chic edge.
Fantasy Heels: These include crazy ideas, futuristic designs and out-of-this-world heels that are just too wild to fall under any other type. Simplicity is the key while wearing these babies as they are statement pieces.
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