Point of Reference: Pumps
There is perhaps no other shoe that epitomizes femininity more than the pump. Interestingly, this go-to shoe for so many women got its start in menswear. In the 16th and 17th centuries, as the dark ages faded and the frivolities of fashion became appropriate, men began to wear simple tapered shoes with low heels that required no straps to stay on the foot. Called pompes, these originally simple shoes would become more extravagant, with higher heels and embellishments. At some point, most report around the end of King Louis XIV’s reign in France (in the early 1700s), high heeled shoes fell out of favor among the men and entered the realm of women’s fashion.
Today, pumps are ubiquitous, residing in the closets of almost every woman. Available in a plethora of colors, styles, and heel heights, these shoes are as chic as they are versatile. We love these classic black Giuseppe Zanotti pumps with a metallic accent as a beautiful-yet-understated update on this tried-and-true shoe that is well worth the investment.
What is your favorite pair of pumps?
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