High heels

Each Analogue plate has a story and symbolism that’s part of a bigger conversation. The Analogue Team wants to talk a little bit about our thoughts and inspiration behind the designs with the hopes of making dinner conversations better.

Today, high heels are a symbol of femininity in Western culture. This was not always the case. High heels emerged as a military tool in the 16th century in order to give the Persian cavalry a stronger stance to shoot bows and arrows. In the 17th century, European aristocrats began mimicking the Persian high heel, which they saw as a symbol of masculinity. Eventually, Enlightenment principles shunned the social hierarchy of ostentatious clothing like high heels. However, in the 1800s, women began taking up the high heel once again, transforming the thick heel to a more slender one like those worn today.

A 17th century high heel shoe worn by the Persian cavalry.

Is there something inherently feminine about high heels? Is there anything inherently feminine or masculine in other clothing items?

Also, in the design, are the high heels on the plate being worn by a man, or by a woman who didn’t shave her legs? Does it matter? And then there’s the whole conversation about shaving body hair...

Tell us what you think in the comments.