Wedges

  

Wedges were created by Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo. He designed the orthopaedic wedge in 1935 and the wedge heel in 1936. Ferragamo used cork and wood because of a leather and rubber shortage. Cork was more popular than wood because its lightness. The cork sole was also sturdy and durable. Wedges grew in popularity during World War II and were as high as five inches. Wedges resurfaced in the 1970s however the designs were louder, more colourful and outrageous. Both men and women wore platform wedges, unlike during World War II when it was strictly seen as a women’s fashion. In the 1970’s they became very popular with the likes pop bands Abba and subculture hippies. Wedges came back on trend in the 1990s. Wedge sneakers first appeared in raves, then moved on toward the rest of the world. In the Milan spring/summer 2012, designer Moschino featured them in his show with snake-like straps.