Research and Construction of Chopines, Pantoufles, Zoccoli, and Other Raised Heels

This website is designed to provide insight and hints on recreating and constructing historical raised heels, such as chopines, pantoufles, zoccoli, and the like. I have based my chopine and heel construction techniques on extant examples, written documentation, pictorial evidence, and educated guesses where information is not available.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions or comments!

- Francis Classe


Last Updated: 2/24/08 - Updated Progress on Lesson 3...Finally!


Written Documentation and References

Pictorial Commentary

Basic Techniques

Acknowledgements

Useful Links

Lesson 1: Venetian Chopines (Cork)

Lesson 2: Pantoufles (Cork)

Lesson 3: Venetian Chopines (Wood)


Extant chopine at the MFA in Boston.

 
Extant chopines at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.



Nota Bene: You will notice that this site is very simple in construction, yet detailed in information.
I prefer to get right to the material, rather than wasting time constructing fancy webpages. =)

I would also note that all pictures are copywrited by their respective owners,
either myself, or the party referenced in the caption.