Shoes have always been an integral part of our daily lives, not just as a necessity, but also as a fashion statement. Throughout history, there have been iconic shoes that have captured the imagination of the masses and left an indelible mark on popular culture. From Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite, glam pumps and Audrey Hepburn’s signature ballerinas to the tried and true iconic Birkenstocks. These famous footwear have become synonymous with their respective fashion houses and continue to be popular today. In this round-up, we will explore some of the most known and loved shoes of all time and delve into their history and significance.
So, get ready to lace up and take a walk down memory lane with these famous shoes models.
Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi
This pair is one of the first that comes to mind when speaking of iconic shoes. Manolo Blahnik Hangisi is the ultimate dream shoe that has won the hearts of all fashion lovers, brides-to-be, and notable celebrities worldwide. Manolo Blahnik first introduced the glamorous pumps in the Spring/Summer 2008 season; back then, the designer could not imagine the reign and the grip the shoe would have on the fashion industry and pop culture.
Drawing inspiration from the French court, more specifically Napoleon I, Josephine, and Pauline Bonaparte, Mr. Blahnik crafted a timeless, elegant, yet unforgettable shoe. The world-renowned heels begin their life in Italy, where they are carefully crafted to perfection; it is also where the Spanish designer drew his inspiration for the shoe’s signature buckle made from Swarovski crystals and faux pearls.
The shoe owes much of its fame to one heroine, who elevated it to a cult-like status in the early 2000s. Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of the famous “Sex and the City” series, would spend her rent money on a pair of Manolo Blahnik and even accept a royal blue décolleté as a token of engagement instead of a diamond ring.
After over 15 years, the shoe is still as popular as ever, earning its rightful title of a classic and being reimagined in various colors, heights, and materials so every fashion connoisseur can find their perfect signature pair.
Christian Louboutin’s So Kate
The ultimate classic Christian Louboutin’s heels: elegant design, high stiletto heel, and the iconic red bottoms that have become synonymous with opulence and style. As the name suggests, the shoe, much like many other iconic fashion accessories, was inspired by Kate Moss. Kate, a long-time admirer of the Pigalle model from the brand, had Christian Louboutin fitting her shoes for her wedding in 2011. Louboutin decided to go further and create a unique pair of shoes for Kate’s special occasion. The new “So Kate” model boasted a thinner stiletto heel, the leading indicator of their difference, and a pointier toe, making the shoe flattering and sensual while maintaining its refined, minimal essence.
Since its official debut in 2013, the heel has become as much of a classic staple as the Pigalle model. Nowadays, both styles are available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to proudly display the iconic red soles and the sophisticated design on all your special occasions.
Gucci’s Horsebit Loafers
1953 was a cruicial year for the house of Gucci. From the passing of the Florentine brand’s founder Guccio Gucci and the opening of their Manhattan store to the release of the now-iconic Gucci Horsebit Loafer. When Aldo Gucci took the spot in the realm of the brand after his late father, he did not hesitate to express himself and his love for equestrian style in that year’s most prominent creation, which is synonymous with the Gucci brand today. The elegant Gucci moccasin shoe became an instant hit as it perfectly bridged the gap between casual and formal outfits, creating an option that was stylish, versatile, and utterly comfortable due to its high-quality craftsmanship and leather.
In the 60 years since its creation, the Gucci Horsebit Loafer has been the go-to shoe for some of the most notable names in the fashion and entertainment industries. It was even displayed in the New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1985.
Over time, the Gucci shoe has evolved in color, silhouette, and texture. Still, one thing has remained consistent: it is a timeless classic and a wardrobe staple transcending age, gender, and personal style preferences.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s Ballerinas
No shoe roundup would be complete without mentioning the master of shoemaking- Salvatore Ferragamo. Ferragamo’s career began at nine after he created his first pair of shoes for himself and his sisters. During his teenage years, the young designer ventures out to the United States in search of the “American Dream,” and it is there that his deep fascination with the human foot and passion for shoemaking comes to be appreciated by some of the most notable stars in the Golden Age Hollywood and the Ferragamo shoes become a must-have.
One of his better-known clients was none other than Audrey Hepburn. From the very start of their friendship in 1945, the designer has made numerous pairs for the Hollywood star that are still present in the Italian house’s shoe range. However, it was in 1954 that Ferragamo created the famous rounded-toe suede ballerina shoe. These ballerina flats would forever etch itself in the brand’s history and become an iconic part of Audrey Hepburn’s fashion image.
Chanel’s Two-Tone Slingbacks
“The final touch of elegance” is how Mademoiselle Coco Chanel described her 1957 creation. The two-toned slingback shoe has become a symbol of the French fashion house, and after almost 70 years, it is seen as the most intelligent, refined shoe investment in fashion.
The French designer was famous for her revolutionary approach to style; from the little black dress to the boyish frame of the suit, Coco Chanel always stood for versatility, comfort, and the ability to transform any look from day to night with ease and style. The two-tone slingbacks were no exception to that ideology; the chunky, low heel allowed a woman to wear the shoe throughout the day and then night, while the beige and black color schemes were the perfect colors to pair with any look. The shoe speaks of minimalism, elegance, and quiet luxury, but those are not the only criteria that made the slingback famous throughout the decades.
The slingback’s color scheme and placement are another reason for its quick rise to fame; the beige lengthens the leg while the black shortens the foot, which makes for a flattering look for any woman.
Much like other shoe icons, after years of success, it has been reinvented. For more daring individuals, the brand offers different colors and materials, such as the signature tweed. The shoe has also seen height variations, from ballerinas to boots, but the toe always remains black and does not lose its original, elegant spirit.
Valentino’s Rockstuds
The edgiest shoe that knows no time limits, since its debut in 2010, the Valentino Rockstuds pumps and a line of accessories have become one of the house codes and an instantly recognizable attribute. In search of the motif, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli only went as far as the brand‘s founding city. The creative directors paid homage to the brand’s birthplace-Rome, by interpreting the eternal city’s famous “bugnatos,” an ancient architectural technique seen on palazzo buildings.
The shoe’s silhouette is simple by nature, still, it is made intricate by the stud design, achieving a flawless combination of sophistication, sensuality, and precision, all within their unique and distinctive design.
After more than a decade of success and variations in colors and heights, Pierpaolo Piccioli, who now reigns solo over the brand’s creative realm, reinvented the now-classic Valentino Garavani Rockstuds, introducing a supersized version of the stud, skillfully capturing the new, maximalist zeitgeist. Nevertheless, the original icon continues to thrive and is embraced by prominent figures in the movie and fashion industry. Notably, Florence Pugh, recently announced as the brand’s ambassador, exudes captivating style while showcasing the brand’s shoes and accessories in her latest campaign.
Elevate your style by creating a contrast of textures by pairing these versatile icons with a flowy, feminine dress or use them to complement any already-edgy look. The beauty and success of this timeless pair truly lie in its versatility.
Birkenstocks’ Arizona
The most casual shoe on our roundup has the richest history of all. Birkenstock is a German footwear brand founded in 1774, making it one of the oldest shoe manufacturers in the world.
The original Birkenstock Arizona sandal was designed in the 1970s by Karl Birkenstock, a descendant of the brand’s founder. The sandal featured a contoured cork footbed that provided support and comfort to the wearer. The footbed was shaped to conform to the natural contours of the foot, which helped to improve posture and reduce foot fatigue. The shoe soon became a hit with the “hippie” movement, which valued comfort over style and was quickly seen in ensembles with tie-dye shirts and bell-bottom denim everywhere.
The shoe continued to be a must-have amongst those who valued comfort over fashion, but in the last three decades, fashion’s most known and loved icons truly made the sandal an unexpected style staple. From young Kate Moss wearing Birkenstock sandals to one of her first big shoots, Gwyneth Paltrow rocking them out and about at the pinnacle of her popularity in the early 2000s to the Olsen twins pairing them ever-so-effortlessly together with their beat-up Birkins.
Despite the ever-changing fashion trends, the popularity of Birkenstock shoes show no signs of slowing down. Much like many others by the brand, the Arizona model is the perfect fit for the new generation. Gen Z is known for valuing comfort and effortless style, and they have embraced this iconic shoe, ensuring its continued relevance and popularity.
Margiela’s Tabi Boots
Since it saw the light for the very first time in 1988, the Margiela Tabi Boot continues to surge in popularity and, year after year, remains the staple in the iconic shoe range of every avant-garde style connoisseur. This unique shoe piece has become synonymous with the brand and perfectly represents the non-conformist vision of Martin Margiela.
Martin Margiela drew inspiration from 15th-century Japan, where people wore socks with traditional thonged sandals. During his trip to Japan with the renowned Antwerp Six, Martin was influenced by the innovative fashion ideas of icons like Rei Kawakubo. Combining these influences, Martin brought the concept to life and created his unique design.
The shoe’s unconventional design was both refreshing and unfamiliar; it provoked different reactions and opinions, keeping it the visit card of Maison Margiela. Martin Margiela was renowned for his unconventional approach to fashion, unique designs, and creative presentation methods. The introduction of the Tabi style only added to his reputation as a fashion genius, further showcasing his innovative vision.
Over many decades, Martin Margiela and his eponymous brand have amassed a devoted and almost cult-like following, with the Tabi boots serving as a symbol that identifies like-minded individuals. The bold and unique design of the Margiela Tabi stands out from the crowd and signals the wearer’s intention to be daring and different. After over three decades, Maison Margiela boots continue to challenge the norms of the fashion world and inspire a movement, making it a remarkable, influential, and enduring style.
