The exhibition shows a full range of high heels from different cultures and times. Europeans admired the high heels that kept the cavalry men of the powerful Persian army in their stirrups. The higher the heel, the more powerful and more masculine the wearer, Louis XIV thought. When this style icon fell out of favour, the heel disappeared from the wardrobe. High heels later acquired a feminine, sexy and worldly image. Feminists see the impractical, uncomfortable footwear as a means of suppression and medical experts point out the health risks.
