Day 1: History of the Stiletto Heel

"I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him alot"
Marilyn Monroe

          

Let's start this blog with a history lesson in one of the most crucial parts of a jaw dropping outfit: The Stiletto Heel.

"High heels were invented by a woman who had been kissed on the forehead."
Christopher Morley

Quick Facts

Named after the stiletto dagger

Defined as a long, thin, high heel on a shoe, typically a woman's shoe

Definite time of invention is uncertai. However, by the 19th century, stilettos were obviously popular.

The actual original maker of the stiletto isn't certain, but Roger Vivier is often credited with the invention of the stiletto. He invented it by encasing a thin steel rod in wood or plastic to support the wearer's weight.

You can find his shoes on display in the following museums: Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY, The Louvre in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

If a heel is less than 5cm in height, it is called a "kitten" heel.

Stiletto heels come in a variety of shoe, such as box-toed pumps, pointed-toed pumps, open-toed pumps, boots, booties, sandals and more.

Stiletto Heels Photo Gallery

 Alexander McQueen, 2009, 10-inch Stilettos

Jimmy Choo, 2012

 Christian Louboutin, 2012, ballet stilletos

Betsy Johnson, stiletto booties 

Steve Madden, "Bitter" pump

 

All I want are high heels, high heels. If I was a girl, I'd wear a lot of high heels. High, stiletto heels.
Isaac Mizrahi