Anonymous wrote:Interestingly, very pointy-toed shoes usually appear when elites are feeling confident and income inequality is rising and during periods of cultural exuberance before major conflicts (religious wars, political instability). Pointy toes were a thing back during the early 2000s tech bubble (George W Bush administration) and the first Trump administration.
Rising Income Inequality - Pointed shoes often flourish when elites want to visually differentiate themselves.
Social Tension or Transitional Times - Big pointy-shoe moments appear before wars (1300s, 1500s, 1900s) and before major financial crises (2000s)
A broader shift to “hard-edged” aesthetics often accompanies geopolitical tension, technological disruption and a desire for strong silhouettes. Historically, extreme fashion silhouettes have often preceded economic contractions—because they appear near the emotional peak of a cycle.
There you go - took a history of fashion class when I was in grad school for international economics.
What a fun class! The point about extreme fashions makes me think of Hunger Games, and of course the absurd wigs and those skirts that stuck out for feet on either side that were popular in the late 18th century. Someone could look a that and be like, yeah....that's probably going to end badly for the wigged ladies in absurd skirts and their husbands in high heels.
I'd actually love to read a book, or listen to a podcast, on fashion and history.