Articles tagged with "Elizabeth Semmelhack"

It's not easy to get a complete timeline for the history of heels in a single article because many writers selectively pick only the points in history that suit their narrative or headline. We're reliant therefore on reading multiple articles and joining the dots ourselves. That said, key elements like the fact that they were used by Egyptian butchers, so they could keep their feet clean of any blood while slaughtering animals often get missed. This is one such article from "the tab" which does include that fact, though it's not clear from the article whether it was them or Persian soldiers that first used heels.

Written in 2017, the article concludes that in the 20th Century, men’s heels have largely fallen out of fashion. It's a fact easily missed through poor research that men never stopped wearing heels. In 2023 heels for men are on the rise once again, though this time, not so much as a fashion trend, but more of a movement.

Original URL: https://thetab.com/uk/2017/05/02/know-high-heels-originally-invented-men-kinda-wish-theyd-kept-39250

From 2018, Quartz magazine delves into the history of the high heel through the research of Elizabeth Semmelhack (@elizabeth_semmelhack) at the Bata Shoe Museum, recounting how women borrowed heels from the male wardrobe to look more masculine. Enlightenment put an end to men wearing heels at the end of the 17th century. Though as Elizabeth says “Heels are just things. They can be given any meaning we decide they have”. When asked, “So could men start wearing heels once more?” she concluded... “anything’s possible.”

Four years on and it seems it’s not only possible, but happening at a pace!

Original URL: https://qz.com/quartzy/1317090/its-enlightenment-philosophys-fault-that-women-wear-high-heels-instead-of-men/

W magazine explores footwear for larger sizes and while there are still some challenges to overcome, the outlook is getter better...

"Retailers still consider more inclusive sizing a financial gamble, especially when it comes to expensive-to-produce runway pieces"

"Fashion is and should always be for all"

“I find each time the heel re-emerges in fashion really very interesting,” says Semmelhack. “Often, when quote-unquote women’s heels have been worn by men, it is in ways that are lampooning of women. When I started to see some men wear what are coded female shoes in non-ironic ways, I find a great deal of hope in these moments.”

Original URL: https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/genderless-high-heels-in-larger-sizes

Google Arts and Culture gives us a virtual tour around the many of the exhibits from the 2015 exhibition at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada. Produced in 2017 the slide-show ends with a hint about the forthcoming trend that we are now seeing for men’s heels with a shot of the Rad Hourani unisex boots made in 2015.

Original URL: https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/BQJSZR_j5AhtLA

The BBC Radio 4 series on history - You’re Dead To Me brings us The History of High Heels. Elizabeth Semmelhack, Curator & Creative Director of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada, along with Comedian Lauren Pattison discuss high-heeled shoes and their many uses through history with their host Greg Jenner. An entertaining an amusing trip through history, with some notable high points for men in heels.

Original URL: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-history-of-high-heels/id1479973402?i=1000535612931

DailyArt magazine looks back in time to explore the origins of High Heels. Often a surprise for many people, heels originated in Persia in the 10th Century and were worn by men until the 18th Century. Enlightenment put and end to that 800 year reign, but started making a comeback in the latter half of the 20th Century. The article ends on a positive note for all.

Original URL: https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/men-in-heels/

The Wall Street Journal looks at why shoes and boots for men with higher heels are on the rise. Acknowledging that men were the first to wear high heels and re-affirming that they are the ultimate statement of confidence.

Original URL: https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-2020-should-be-the-year-of-the-man-heel-11601546429