Ballerina shoes, also known as ballet flats, are a popular choice of footwear for women. The comfort and practicality they offer make them a favourite when on the go. They’re a classic fashion item that never goes out of style. Therefore, they’re a Lemonade favourite!
An initial version of the ballet flat existed all the way back in the 16th century when men and women both wore these practical shoes. In 1533, 14-year-old fashion icon Catherine de’ Medici requested her cobbler to add 2-inch heels to her wedding shoes and voila, the high heel shoe was invented. For over 250 years, ballet flats were sidelined as women sacrificed comfort for fashion. However, ballet flats made a comeback in 1793 when Marie Antoinette walked the guillotine in a pair of heels! Functional shoes for women were quick to come back into vogue in the 19th century!
The ballet flat as we know and recognise it today was first invented in 1887 by Salvatore Capezio who was an Italian cobbler who immigrated to the United States. He created the first ballet flat for ballerinas for the New York City Ballet. The shoes were intended to be lightweight & comfortable with a soft & flexible soles.
In the 1950s and 1960s, women’s fashion was fast changing, with the women’s liberation movement encouraging the emphasis on comfort. Ballerina shoes were perfect for this new trend, as they were both comfortable and stylish. They were often worn with cropped pants, capri pants, and pencil skirts.
The iconic French fashion designer, Coco Chanel, played a significant role in the history of ballerina shoes and their inclusion among formal shoes for women. In the 1950s, Chanel introduced the two-tone ballerina shoe, which featured a beige toe and a black heel. Inspired by the colours of a man’s shoe, it became an instant classic. The two-tone ballerina shoe was a favourite of Audrey Hepburn, who wore them in the 1957 movie “Funny Face”.
In the 1960s, ballerina shoes became even more popular, thanks to the rise of the mod fashion trend. Mod fashion was all about clean lines, bold colours, and simple, minimalist designs. Ballerina shoes were the perfect footwear for this trend, as they were simple, elegant, and understated. They were often worn with A-line skirts, shift dresses, and tights.
In the 1970s, ballerina shoes underwent a transformation. Designers began to experiment with different materials and styles, adding embellishments such as bows, ribbons, and buckles. Ballerina shoes were no longer just for practicality; they had become a fashion statement. They were often worn with maxi dresses, flared jeans, and wide-leg trousers. The black leather Rhea ballerinas on Lemonade are embellished with a sophisticated bow.
In the 1980s, ballerina shoes took a back seat to the popular high-heeled shoes of the era. However, they made a comeback in the 1990s, thanks to the grunge fashion trend. Grunge fashion was all about an alternative, edgy look, and ballerina shoes were perfect for this style. They were often worn with ripped jeans, plaid shirts, and oversized sweaters.
Today, ballerina shoes remain a popular choice for women’s footwear. They are available in a wide variety of colours, materials, and styles, from classic leather shoes for women to trendy velvet and sequins. They are often worn with skinny jeans, leggings, and dresses, and they are a favourite of celebrities such as Kate Middleton and Emma Watson.
The Lemonade ballerinas are definitely a must-have luxury footwear that must be included in every girl’s list of leather essentials! Get your hands on your Lemonade pair today!
In conclusion, the history of ballerina shoes is a fascinating one. From their origins as lightweight, comfortable shoes for ballerinas, to their transformation into a fashion statement, ballerina shoes have been a staple of women’s fashion for centuries.