Kitten Heels: A new wave or here to stay?
Chic, Subtle, awkward, training (w)heels are common phrases used to describe these popular yet polarizing pairs of shoes: the kitten heel. A rebellious yet multidimensional pair of shoes that has stood the test of time and is still Googled today.
Origin of the “Kitten Heel”
Its origin can be argued to be either an invention created for the tiny King Louis XIV or a 1950s fashion accent for young girls. King Louis XIV wore his infamous red heels to appear taller and more authoritative in court. This quickly became a fad among court members but led to a law forbidding outsiders from wearing them. The 1950s kitten heels, coincidentally, were designed for young girls who weren't quite ready for the tall stiletto but wanted some familiarity with heels. Additionally, a common slang term used to describe young girls at that time was “kittens,” and since the shoes were associated with them, the term was coined.
What makes a shoe a Kitten Heel?
To be considered a kitten heel, one must take two things into consideration. Firstly, the shoe must have a low heel between 1 and 2 inches; any higher, it's considered a standard heel. Secondly, it should have the silhouette of a stiletto: a slim, tapered, needle-like point heel to display a subtle yet slender look.
Popularity of The Kitten Heel
The popularity of the kitten heel also rose with the now busier lives women lived in the 50s/60s. They were sexy yet conservative - especially for the time period- comfortable and less restrictive to dance with, especially with the growing beatnik and mod lifestyle (a cultural movement where people embraced jazz, poetry, R&B, beat music, and rejected suburban ideals). Audrey Hepburn famously wore them in her movie “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” ! With talented actresses backing these shoes, their popularity grew rapidly.
The Kitten Heel Today
While fashion doesn't always seek comfort, the kitten heel is an example of a nice equilibrium to meet. With popular celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Ayo Edebiri, Jennie Kim, and even the former first lady, Michelle Obama, kitten heels are embedding their way into pop culture today. If you're looking for more comfort and classiness, kitten heels are a stylish yet sensible solution. They complement everything from everyday pants to office wear, to capris, to pencil or flowy skirts, to summer dresses, or simple shorts. At The Heel Vault, you'll find we have an exquisite collection of designer kitten heels that fit your every need or want.