The Power Of High Heels
Nov 29 2020
High Heels have a long history in fashion and pop culture. Although the rich and elite can drop thousands on a striking pair of sleek Louboutins of Manolos, heels actually began in men’s fashion.

In the 15th and 16th century, heeled shoes were designed to help warriors and riders stay in their horse’s riding saddle! Before long, French kings and courts picked up the style and eventually it spread to women’s fashion.

By the 20th century, high heels made their way into luxury fashion brands. The most glamorous movie stars popularized various styles of heels. As women entered the workforce and more and more had jobs in offices, workplace fashion also adopted the high heel as a symbol of professionalism.

However, high heels, for some, became a symbol of oppression, holding women back from their full potential at work. Only recently have laws passed banning required high heels for women in office dress codes.

The journey of the high heel as men’s fashion will surprise even the biggest fashionistas. As artists like Harry Styles bring back the gender-bending fashion of men in heels and powerful women like Kamala Harris say goodbye to pumps, some are wondering if high heels should have stayed with the men all along.

Written by:Lori Noel

Narrated by: Lanessa Tremblett

Edited by: Steven Suñe

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