STILETTO
The stiletto is a thin, high and sharp heel, named after the narrow Italian dagger of the same name. It is the most dramatic and feminine kind of heel: it lengthens the leg to the maximum, forces a small, graceful step and gives the gait a special, sensual fluidity. The stiletto appeared in the 1950s thanks to new technology (a metal rod inside the heel that bears the load on a tiny support area) and became a symbol of glamour, seduction and Hollywood elegance. Court shoes on a stiletto are a classic of evening and festive dress. This footwear demands skill and confidence, since the support area is minimal. The stiletto is the quintessence of femininity and luxury, the most expressive accent of a look, invariably associated with beauty, status and seductive elegance.
Compare “Stiletto” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Two heeled shoes that differ in height and character of heel. The stiletto has a thin, tall heel (often 8–12 cm) that maximally lengthens the leg and reads as dramatic, evening and seductive. The kitten heel is a low, slender heel (3–5 cm) of the same refined shape, but more restrained, more comfortable and retro-elegant in a 1950s spirit. Same slenderness, opposite height and mood.
