DIAMOND STUDDED HEELS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 33, 7 February 1913, Page 7

DIAMOND STUDDED HEELS.

The craze which has taken hold ol American women —that of diamondstnded heels to their shoes, or such jewels set into them as harmonise with toilette—has made its appearance in Sydney, and the first exponent of the fashion was to be seen ai Rand wick on New Year’s Day. There was nothing biazarre or start ling about the trim little pair of black shoes which went with a beautiful robe of black ninon de sols over satin and cream lace, but just a tracery of brilliants, which showed as the wearer picked up the small train in going to or from the tea-room or the stand. In America such a wealth of gems has been pressed into this service that shoes are now among the valuables loft in bank vaults when the fair wearer goes to the country, and, while there is little likelihood ol anything like this in Australia, it is yet probable (says a lady writer in the Sydney Daily Telegraph) that ornamental heels will be seen among the dance shoes of the coming season. Of late years shoes have been strictly utilitarian, but there have been times when the form and beauty of the shoe was a matter of great moment. In the days of Henry I. the pointed toes of the footwear was caught up with jewelled clasps, and all sorts of fancy finishes were employed, while as far down the path of history as Charles I. the shoebuckles were beautifully jewelled, often with “Bristol diamonds” or other crystals, as well as more precious stones. Why, then, should our footcoverings—for gala wear at least — not be more on the side of beauty than of recent years?