This traveling exhibition, hosted at the Museo del Traje, explores the history and cultural impact of the stiletto heel. It showcases footwear from Italian and international designers, tracing a chronological journey from the 1950s to the present day.
The exhibition 'Tacones de aguja. Fascinación y seducción' (Stiletto Heels. Fascination and Seduction) was organized by the Museum of Costume (Museo del Traje) in collaboration with the Museum of Footwear in Vigevano, Italy, and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura. The show delves into the history of the stiletto heel, a prominent icon of femininity, sensuality, power, and luxury in fashion. It features examples of Italian and foreign footwear created by renowned designers such as Prada, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo, spanning from the 1950s to contemporary designs.
The stiletto heel, also known as the stilleto, gained prominence following Christian Dior's 'New Look' collection in the 1940s, which emphasized feminine silhouettes. Designers like Salvatore Ferragamo were instrumental in revolutionizing post-war footwear. The exhibition highlights how the stiletto heel has been interpreted by filmmakers and writers as an emblem of femininity and sensuality, treated by artists and designers as a sculptural art form, and perceived by sociologists as a symbol of female power and aggression, while remaining a significant commercial instrument within the luxury market.