From Marilyn to Carrie: The Myth of Shoes in Film and TV

The article explores how cinema and television have elevated shoes to iconic status, focusing on key examples. Marilyn Monroe's white dress scene in 'The Seven Year Itch' is remembered for Salvatore Ferragamo's sandals. Ferragamo, known as the 'shoemaker of dreams,' moved to Hollywood in 1915 and crafted footwear for stars like Gloria Swanson, who wore his black calfskin pumps with ankle straps and vanilla bows in 'Sadie Thompson' (1928). Manolo Blahnik became a cultural phenomenon through 'Sex and the City,' where Carrie Bradshaw's obsession made his Hangisi blue satin pumps with crystal details, inspired by the Bonaparte family, a wedding-day icon. All seven seasons celebrated Blahnik, cementing his brand as the quintessential high-heel label of the 1990s and 2000s. Sofia Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette' featured Blahnik's contemporary takes on the queen's heels. In 'The Devil Wears Prada,' Anne Hathaway's character wears Chanel's tall black leather boots, symbolizing her transformation. Christian Louboutin attempted a similar generational myth with 'Gossip Girl,' but with less impact than Blahnik's 'Sex and the City.'