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Research and Construction of Chopines, Pantoufles, Zoccoli, Shoes, Boots, and Other Raised and High Heels |
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This website is designed to provide insight and hints on recreating and constructing historical raised and high heels, such as chopines, pantoufles, zoccoli, and the like. I have based my chopine and high heel construction techniques on extant examples, written documentation, pictorial evidence, and educated guesses where information is not available. You will also notice that this website is mainly dedicated to the use of the chopine and heel from the 15th to the beginning of the 17th century, but I certainly am interested in other types of footwear as well. Feel free to email me with any questions or comments!
Last Updated: 11/20/09 - I write this to you from the Bata Shoe Museum in lovely Toronto. I mentioned earlier that I had worked on a set of mules based on one of the early 17th century extant pieces in their fabulous collection, and you can find it in Lesson 6! I might also add that I recently finished devouring D.A. Saguto's annotated translation of Garsault's "l'art du cordonnier," or the "Art of the Shoemaker." The original was published in 1767, and this new annotated translation, just published in September 2009, is a fantastic resource into the inner workings and construction of 18th century French shoes and boots. A great deal of it is also applicable to 17th century shoes as well. Additionally, you should all be aware of a recent publication put out by the Bata Museum as a guide to the exhibit itself, called "On A Pedestal," and authored by the museum's curator, Elizabeyth Semmelhack. I definitely recommend it as a resource for those interested in these types of shoes, and the evolution of the raised heel in general. |
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Written Documentation and References Pictorial Commentary Basic Techniques Acknowledgements Useful Links Lesson 1: Late 16th C. Venetian Chopines (Cork) Lesson 2: Mid 16th C. Pantoufles (Cork) Lesson 3: Late 16th C. Venetian Chopines (Wood) Lesson 4: 1582 Tartar Boots (Stacked) Lesson 5: 1750 Mens Shoes (Wood) Lesson 6: Early 17th C. Mules (Wood) |
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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.