21/02/2025
THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF HIGH HEELS: from antiquity to modern elegance
High heels, also known as pumps or heeled shoes, have been an integral part of women's fashion for centuries. They symbolise elegance, femininity and style. But the history of high heels goes way back into the past. As a passionate high heel wearer and the founder of GLORIELLAS, I have been intensively involved with the history and development of these shoes.
The origins of high heels
The first references to high heels can be found in ancient Egypt around 3500 B.C. Here, both men and women wore high heels, especially in the upper echelons of society and during religious ceremonies. These heeled shoes were considered a status symbol and were intended to bring the wearer closer to the gods.
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Middle Ages and Renaissance:
Fashion and status symbol In the Middle Ages, so-called ‘chopines’ appeared in Venice. These extremely high platform shoes not only protected against dirt, but also served to emphasise the wearer's social status. The higher the heel, the higher the social status. In the 16th century, high heels became increasingly popular in Europe, especially thanks to Catherine de Medici, who wore high heels to her wedding to Henry II of France in 1533. This trend quickly spread to the royal houses of Europe.
Baroque and Rococo:
High heels as a sign of power In the 17th and 18th centuries, high heels became an integral part of fashion. Louis XIV of France in particular was a great advocate of high heels. His characteristic red soles and heels became a status symbol of the nobility. During the Rococo period, heels became slimmer and adorned elegant women's fashion.
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The French Revolution and the 19th century
The French Revolution led to a decline in high heels, as they were associated with the old regime. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that they made a comeback, now exclusively as a fashion accessory for women. With the industrial revolution, heels became affordable for the masses.
20th century: The birth of the stiletto
The 20th century brought numerous innovations in shoe fashion. The 1950s in particular are known for the introduction of stilettos, whose thin and high heels emphasised the female silhouette. Style icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn made stiletto pumps a symbol of seduction and elegance.
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Italian craftsmanship and luxury fashion
Italy has always established itself as a centre of exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious fashion. Brands such as Gucci, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo are synonymous with quality, elegance and innovation. The Italian art of shoemaking is characterised by attention to detail, high-quality materials and traditional techniques that are passed down from generation to generation.
Gucci, one of the most renowned luxury brands in the world, has made a name for itself with its timeless designs and its ability to combine tradition with modernity. Gucci's high heels are known for their fine materials and perfect craftsmanship.
Prada is another Italian fashion house known for its innovative and avant-garde designs. Prada's high heels are characterised by clean lines, bold colours and unusual shapes. They are synonymous with luxury and style.
Salvatore Ferragamo, known for his high-quality materials and innovative craftsmanship, left his mark on the footwear industry with his iconic pumps that combine elegance, comfort and ergonomic design.
Did you know that Christian Louboutin's iconic red sole was created by chance? 🎨👠 Inspired by a prototype of his shoes, he spontaneously grabbed his assistant's red nail polish and painted the sole - thus a trademark was born that today stands for luxury and elegance worldwide.
My vision of GLORIELLAS: comfort meets Italian styl
In modern times, there is a wide variety of high heels, from classic pumps to fancy designer heels. However, they are often perceived as uncomfortable. This is exactly where my brand GLORIELLAS comes in. The name stands for ‘Gloria’, which means ‘the glorified’ - a symbol of the passion and perfection I put into every design. I wanted to create a high heel that not only looks beautiful, but also offers maximum comfort.
Unique cushioning sports footbed
What makes GLORIELLAS special is the innovative cushioning functional sole, which is inspired by running. This sole ensures that the wearer can walk all day in her high heels without having to sacrifice comfort. My aim was to create the perfect shoe for women who appreciate both style and comfort.
My personal conclusion:
The history of high heels shows how closely fashion is linked to social and cultural developments. From the first heeled shoes in ancient Egypt to modern high heels, one thing remains the same: high heels are more than just a trend - they are a timeless symbol of style, power and elegance. With GLORIELLAS, I am bringing this tradition into the present and future - with a perfect combination of Italian style and modern comfort.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of high heels with me 👠✨ . I hope I was able to give you an exciting insight into the history and my vision with GLORIELLAS. If you would like to find out more about our technology, visit our shop or follow us on social media. I look forward to experiencing the perfect mix of elegance and comfort with you!
Sincerely ❤️ Gaby
