Could Your Man Rock A Pair Of Manolos?

Robin Hood, David Bowie and Mick Jagger are three men who really knew how to wear tights and, although a questionable trend at first, it became kind of hot (remember Bowie’s bulging member in Labyrinth?). But if you have to stop and ponder whether you want to see men in tights outside the world of ballet, how would you feel about seeing your hubby in heels?

Before you imagine the absurdity of a businessman strutting down Bay Street in a pair of pumps, I remind you that heels have not always been exclusive to women. In 17th and 18th century France, for example, high heels were considered symbols of wealth and power. The ’70s also “saw many a platform shoe with chunky high heel attached adorn the feet of men.”

But today, heels are the ultimate accessory for women. Though their aesthetic appeal (longer-looking legs and the gift of height) usually trumps functionality, in Europe women are now donning high-heels in races to win (what else?) shoes!

So as heels are encroaching on women’s practical lives and not just making them look helpless and delicate anymore, they’re also becoming the new trend in men’s fashion. Will it last? Maybe men see their aesthetic benefits. If you’re a bit on the short side like Michael J. Fox, it’s possible to enhance your height. If you don’t consider yourself dark or handsome, you could still be tall.

I’m all for individual expression. If guys want to rock some Manolos or Choos for their own personal reasons, why not? But I wonder: Are men trying to get back at us ladies for the whole “boyfriend” trend? Over the years we’ve stolen their shirts, their joggers and big wooly socks, so maybe it’s time they wear their girlfriends’ stilettos.

Then again, maybe it’s simply because Christian Louboutin recently said that “wearing high heels is like having an orgasm.” Now that’s a big selling point.

Whether it’s for fashion or just plain fun, if men want to embrace heels they should have the freedom to. Guys, just don’t forget your band-aids.

Contact the author here: tinybart@morningquickie.com