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Welcome to day 23: The most Iconic shoes that have made the history of fashion and how they became the IT shoes. You can also read about the most Iconic Handbags.
We have the most infamous shoes that defined different eras of the 21st century, from heels to boots trends have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. So for all you shoe lovers and collectors out there, this is for you. From the heels made infamous by influential footwear Queen; Carrie Bradshaw or the classic red sole everyone recognises in a heartbeat, we have them all…
Audrey Hepburn’s Ballet Flats
Although these iconic flats were first created in the 16th century for professional ballet dancers, it wasn’t until Audrey Hepburn wore them with slim cropped trousers in 1947 that they became accepted as a mainstream shoe. The elegant movie star was a trendsetter of her era, the simple ballet pumps began as basic slip on pumps featuring a smart bow. Today the timeless shoe still offers a graceful look, changing from a round silhouette to a more structured one than women today still shop. From the Dior sling back pumps with a heel less back and a tasteful ribbon to Valentino’s rock stud ballet pumps with an embellished edge to them.
Gucci Loafers
The iconic horse bit loafer that truly stood the test of time was inspired by equestrian lifestyle, which held a special place in Aldo Gucci’s heart. The simple leather loather embellished with a metal horse bit became one of the most iconic flat shoes of all time. Created in 1953 the relaxed shoe became the epitome of style and one of the first examples of casual luxury wear. A piece loved by everyone and still just as iconic today.
Chanel Sling-Back
The timeless, two-tone shoe we still see today, was first created back in 1957 and immediately loved by all the women after being seen on Chanel herself. The first of it’s kind, it became a signature to the Chanel house along with her other innovations. The versatile shoes followed Chanel’s values of comfort for women and wardrobe essentials taken day to night. Nothing is a coincidence with Coco, she purposefully selected beige to elongate their shape and black to shorten the foot while protecting long term wear. The elegant 5cm heel brought a new comfort to women.
Vivienne Westwood’s Pirate Boots
Another iconic show brought into public demand by another iconic celebrity, the Vivienne Westwood pirate boot was actually first created in 1981. In true London Style, Kate Moss found a pair in a Notting Hill vintage shop in 1999, styling the supermodel look she was spotted in them over and over, sparking an unmatched demand. Originally suede, the buckle bonanza boots made a comeback in 2010 with Kate Moss seen in leather ones once more, the boots are even hard to get hold of today!
Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Heels
The red carpet must have been of the early 2000’s, seen on idolized celebrities from Kate Moss to Julia Roberts. The stiletto sandals on a slanted platform were the epitome of style, not seen around so much today this iconic style defines it’s timely era. Created by Francesco Russo alongside Tom Ford and Stefano Pitali at the house of Yves Saint Laurent, the Tribute was born. The influential shoe with the deep toe platform took the new high heels trend to a whole new level.
Manolo Blahnik’s Something Blue Pump
A shoes trend fuelled by the classic show Sex and the City a show that began in the late 1990’s, when you think of Carrie Bradshaw you think of shoes! The iconic character of the show is known for her compelling love of shoes, and although she mentioned A LOT of shoes throughout the series, it was one pair in particular that began a craze. The iconic heels act as a wedding gift to herself, a way to reunite the couple at the of the film and most recently made an appearance in the brand new series, And Just Like That, they truly hold their value and essence to the show. The Manolo blue satin heeled pumps with a jeweled buckle became a classic, sophisticated must have shoe, still as popular today.
Louboutin So Kate Heeled Pumps
There is no shoe more known for its iconic sole than the Christian Louboutin’s, underneath the timeless heels you will find a red glossy sole like no other heels. Originally the first pair were painted with a deep shade of red nail polish in the 1990s, as his assistant sat closely painting her nails, he felt something from his design was missing when he grabbed the bottle and painted the bottom of the shoe, it was in that moment the most iconic sole of all time was born. The sophisticated, timeless, bold heel is seen on every red carpet to this day.
You can learn more about the history of fashion and register for this free webinar on the history of fashion capitals with the fashion historian Emma McClendon.
