May 4, 2026
Did you know that the "queen of fashion" Catherine de' Medici was the one who truly launched high heels from the heart of Florence?
While today we associate Italian luxury footwear with names like Salvatore Ferragamo, the obsession with height and elegance began centuries ago in the Florentine artisan workshops.
The Renaissance Revolution: "Pianelle" and "Zoccoli"
Back in the 1300s, walking through the streets of Florence wasn't just about style; it was about status. Elite women wore pianelle or zoccoli (known elsewhere as chopines)—extravagant platform shoes made of wood or cork. Some reached an incredible height of 50 centimeters!
These shoes were so provocative and sensual that in 1333, shoemakers were actually forbidden from fitting them onto women's feet. They were considered "too alluring" for the society of the time.
Catherine de' Medici: The First "Influencer"
The real turning point came with Catherine de' Medici. When she left Florence at age 14 to marry Henry II, the future King of France, she brought more than just her dowry. Being of petite stature, she commissioned a trusted Florentine artisan to craft a pair of 10cm heels.
When she arrived in the French court, her "Florentine height" caused a scandal—and an immediate fashion craze. She didn't just wear shoes; she exported Florentine craftsmanship to the world.
The Modern Legacy: Salvatore Ferragamo
Fast forward to the 20th century, and another visionary chose Florence as his home: Salvatore Ferragamo. Just like the artisans who served the Medici, Ferragamo revolutionized the world of footwear from his headquarters in Palazzo Spini Feroni.
From the "Rainbow" wedge to the steel-reinforced stiletto, the link between Catherine’s Renaissance innovation and Ferragamo’s Hollywood glamour is the same: The unmatched skill of Florentine shoemakers.
Tips for your Tour
If you want to see where this history comes to life, a visit to the Ferragamo Museum is a must. It’s located just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery, where you can admire portraits of Catherine herself.
Want to discover more hidden fashion secrets of the Medici? Book my "Florentine Secrets & Art" private tour!
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