– When Fashion Meets Art: Heels in Museums
Why do we love high heels? Maybe it’s the way they make us feel taller—both literally and metaphorically. Or perhaps it’s their enduring role as symbols of power, rebellion, and creativity. For centuries, high heels have been a staple of human culture, and now they’ve walked their way into museums around the globe. Let’s take a confident (and slightly wobbly) step into the world of high heels in museums, exploring exhibits that celebrate their bold stories.
Standing Tall: The Curious History of Men in Heels
Surprise! Heels weren’t always about stilettos and red carpets. In the 16th century, Persian soldiers wore them for practicality—they helped secure feet in stirrups during horseback riding. The fashion soon galloped to Europe, where aristocrats embraced heels as a symbol of power and wealth. King Louis XIV, the ultimate trendsetter of his time, popularized red-soled heels as a mark of royalty.
Fast-forward a few centuries, and heels are making a triumphant return to men’s fashion. Musicians like Lil Nas X, Harry Styles, and even this blog’s beloved heelsman have embraced them as symbols of confidence and individuality. Today’s men in heels are rewriting the narrative, proving that these iconic shoes know no gender boundaries.
• brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/heels/
Heels in Museums: A Walk Through Iconic Designs
This stunning exhibit has graced institutions like The Brooklyn Museum, offering a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind high heels. It features everything from slender stiletto pumps to outrageous sculptural heels that look more like modern art than footwear.
One iconic piece featured in the exhibit was the so-called Killer Heels—sleek black stilettos on a dramatic platform with striking red soles. While this modern masterpiece stole the spotlight, the exhibit offered much more. Visitors could marvel at over 160 historic pairs of high heels, carefully arranged in chronological order. This timeline showcased the evolution of heels, from their functional origins to their transformation into symbols of status, fashion, and rebellion.
Each pair told its own unique story, offering a glimpse into the cultural and artistic influences of its era.
Exhibition displayed jaw-dropping creations by legends like Manolo Blahnik, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen. Each shoe in this collection is a testament to innovation, creativity, and the sometimes wild imagination of designers who turn footwear into wearable art.
• batashoemuseum.ca/standing-tall/ • facebook.com/batashoemuseum
Heels in Museums: Elton John’s Platform Shoes
Elton John’s glam rock era wasn’t just about music—it was a full-on visual spectacle. His towering platform heels, often drenched in glitter and adorned with outrageous patterns, became as iconic as his piano. These shoes weren’t just footwear; they were declarations of freedom, individuality, and pure extravagance. Elton’s heels screamed, Why fit in when you can stand out? And stand out he did, leaving an indelible mark on both fashion and rock history.
Elton John didn’t just wear platform shoes—he owned them. During the 1970s glam rock era, his towering, rainbow-colored platforms became a signature look. These shoes didn’t just elevate his height; they elevated his entire stage persona.
The platforms often came adorned with sequins, glitter, and eccentric designs that defied gravity and tradition. For Elton and others in the glam rock movement, these shoes symbolized freedom, flamboyance, and a defiance of rigid gender norms.
High Heels in Museum of the Purpose of the Object
Vienna’s Museum of the Purpose of the Object dives deep into the meaning behind everyday items, including—you guessed it—high heels. This exhibit challenges visitors to rethink these shoes not just as accessories but as cultural artifacts loaded with history and emotion.
One of the most fascinating pieces is a pair of 18th-century heels, named chopines, platform shoes worn in Venice. These sky-high heels weren’t just about height—they were about status.
The higher the heel, the more elite the wearer.
The collection also showcases avant-garde designs that blend form and function in mind-bending ways.
• kci.or.jp/en/featured/accessories/
The Kyoto Costume Institute – Japan’s Fashion Legacy
Located in Japan, the Kyoto Costume Institute boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive fashion collections. Their high-heel displays tell the story of footwear’s evolution, from the minimalist aesthetics of Japanese geta sandals to intricate modern designs.
The exhibit showcases a dazzling array of historical footwear from across the globe. Highlights include 18th-century men’s heels from England, crafted from vibrant green silk, exuding aristocratic elegance. Early 20th-century Italian sandals reflect the craftsmanship and understated beauty of the era. Visitors can also admire exquisite 1920s pumps from Perugia, embodying the glamour and sophistication of the Roaring Twenties. Each pair is a testament to the artistry and cultural diversity of shoe design through the ages.
The Institute’s collection beautifully captures the global influence of Japanese design. Think of it as a journey through time, where traditional craftsmanship meets cutting-edge innovation. From lacquered platforms to sculptural masterpieces, each pair has a story that ties the past to the present.
High Heel Shoes Art
High heels aren’t just shoes—they’re storytelling devices, pieces of art, and symbols of identity. The High Heels in Museums and exhibits dedicated to them give us a unique perspective on history, fashion, and self-expression. Whether you’re strutting in your own pair or admiring from afar, one thing’s for sure: high heels will always stand tall in the world of culture.
