Quick History of Heels & Lipstick

In this episode of Let's Be Perfectly Queer, we take you on a quick journey through the history of heels and lipstick. We quickly dive into the origins of heels as symbols of power and their evolution into women’s fashion. We also explore the ancient roots of lipstick, its ties to witchcraft, and its transformation into a tool of empowerment.

Join us as we discuss how these fashion statements have become vital symbols in Queer culture, breaking down societal norms and celebrating self-expression. 

Plus, don’t miss our fun listener challenge! Guess what Archie and Katie pulled out of their pockets for a chance to win some fabulous merch. Comment your guesses on our latest post!

Transcript

Podcast: Let's Be Perfectly Queer

Episode Title: History Of Heels & Lipsticks

Host(s): Archie, Katie

Guest(s): 

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Archie (Host) | 00:00:00 to 00:00:18
Welcome to let's be perfectly queer, our. Queer podcast, creating space to talk about all things queer. My name is Archie. I'm Katie, and we are your hosts. It's cause you were doing really weird affections, and I was like, oh, I want to replicate.

Archie (Host) | 00:00:18 to 00:00:24
No, no, I was just seeing the loudness. So we'll do that again. We'll do that again. No, I think that's fabulous. Okay, if you want.

Katie (Host) | 00:00:24 to 00:00:32
Yeah. All right, I'm gonna keep it. So welcome to this next episode. We have a drum roll, please. Small talks.

Katie (Host) | 00:00:32 to 00:00:39
I'm a great drum roller. That's sure. Excuse you. Don't you shore me, boyo. It was okay.

Archie (Host) | 00:00:39 to 00:00:48
It was okay. Recently, we've been bingeing a bit more of RuPaul's drag race. Oh, shit. Yeah, yeah, it's been great. We've loved it.

Archie (Host) | 00:00:48 to 00:01:07
We've been bingeing that a little bit. And then I started to think about, what is the history of stilettos and lipstick? One of, I think one of my students was pointing out maybe a few months ago about lipstick, and they were like, oh, so what colour did they used to use back in the day on black and white television? And why? And even with men's lips, they used to use, like, green.

Katie (Host) | 00:01:07 to 00:01:13
Oh, yeah. Didn't they used to use blue on women's lips? I think they were both green. Okay. Yeah, I think.

Archie (Host) | 00:01:13 to 00:01:31
Or maybe it was blue and men's. But anyway, that's not what I'm talking about. But it just got me interested to think about what is the history and the story behind stilettos lipstick? Because I read somewhere that stilettos were made. Well, high heels particularly, were made for men.

Katie (Host) | 00:01:31 to 00:01:41
Yeah, they were made for men. Yeah, I thought they were made for men, either in governmental figures or they were made for men. Part of the monarchy. We're gonna get into that. Can't wait.

Archie (Host) | 00:01:41 to 00:01:47
So we're gonna go straight into the topic. Yeah, no chit chat, or if you want a chitchat, but. Nah. Yeah. Okay.

Katie (Host) | 00:01:47 to 00:02:07
I just wanted to take you off. So kind. So today we're stepping into the glamorous world of lipstick and high heels, or stilettos, whatever you want to call them, depending on whereabouts in the world you come from. Two iconic items that have had a major impact on gender expression and queer culture. Heels and lipstick.

Archie (Host) | 00:02:07 to 00:02:24
So, heels and lipstick have fascinating histories that go way beyond fashion. They've been symbols of power, rebellion, and identity throughout the ages. To kick things off, did you know that the first heels were actually worn by men, which we've already talked about. But this was in my script. But, you know, we spoke about it.

Archie (Host) | 00:02:25 to 00:02:35
Yes, yes. And that lipstick was once considered scandalous in many societies. Really? So the history of heels. High heels have a long and storied history.

Archie (Host) | 00:02:35 to 00:02:51
Let's start in ancient Egypt. What? Around 3500 bc, egyptian butchers wore heels to avoid stepping in blood while slaughtering animals. Like, that's so logical. They don't look like what we would consider heels, obviously, but, you know, they.

Katie (Host) | 00:02:51 to 00:02:59
Had a heel on them. Yeah. And to be honest, it's not like they were trudging around in gumboots in the sand. I don't think gumboots were created in 3500 bc. I don't think.

Katie (Host) | 00:02:59 to 00:03:13
They didn't have rubber because they didn't have the rubber because it comes from rubber and rubber comes from trees and trees grow in the Amazon. Thanks for that. Similarly, ancient greek actors wore platform sandals called cawthorny. I don't know how to say that. I'm so sorry.

Archie (Host) | 00:03:13 to 00:03:22
To signify status and make themselves more visible on stage. Yeah. Makes sense because it's like if you're tall, you have more power. Exactly. It's about the height and the presence.

Katie (Host) | 00:03:22 to 00:03:36
Close to the God. Sure. Fast forward to the Middle ages and the Renaissance and we see heels becoming a symbol of status and wealth in Europe, which I'm sure is what you were talking about. Yes, but did you know that they predated that? No.

Archie (Host) | 00:03:36 to 00:03:54
Yeah. And it was both men and women who wore them. In fact, King Louis XIV of France loved high heels and popularised red soled heels as a status symbol among the aristocracy. The OG, Louis Baton, something like that. An XIV is 14.

Archie (Host) | 00:03:54 to 00:03:59
Right. Xiv. X, I, V, I V. Cause V is five. Yeah.

Archie (Host) | 00:03:59 to 00:04:05
So when you put the I in front. No, ten. 1414. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cool.

Katie (Host) | 00:04:05 to 00:04:12
Do you know what? I was doing roman numerals yesterday as well. Oh, really? Yeah. I don't think kids study roman numerals in school anymore.

Katie (Host) | 00:04:12 to 00:04:19
Yeah. Anyway, remember how our analogue clocks used to have roman numerals? Yeah. Well, I remember that at school we had to study roman numerals. Yeah, yeah, same.

Archie (Host) | 00:04:19 to 00:04:38
And these heels were often elaborate and richly decorated, signifying the wearer's high social standing. By the 18th century, however, high heels began to shift predominantly into women's fashion, thanks in part to changing social norms and fashion trends. Why? I don't know. I didn't go into that much detail.

Katie (Host) | 00:04:39 to 00:04:55
I'm asking you a question that you asked me. It's a small talk. It's a small talk. Remember, I only got, like ten to 15 minutes to get all the information into you. So the modern stiletto heel, which became popular in the mid 20th century, was revolutionary.

Archie (Host) | 00:04:55 to 00:05:14
Designers like Salvatore Ferragamo and Roger Vivier created heels that emphasised the curves of the foot, adding a sexy allure that has made stilettos a staple in women's fashion ever since. Can I just ask, did you just realise just then that he had a foot fetish? Oh, what? He had a foot fetish. Think about it.

Katie (Host) | 00:05:15 to 00:05:26
Who says? Sexy allure of the curves of your feet. If. Unless you have a foot fetish, there's no way. I just put the information into chat bitch GBT and made it so it could be just chat.

Archie (Host) | 00:05:26 to 00:05:50
GBT has a weird foot fetish. I don't know. Maybe it's doing what the consumers want. And stilettos have also played a significant role in the world of drag and gender expression, offering a powerful tool for those looking to explore and showcase their identity. So that is, you know, a quick look at a bit of the history of heels, and we're going to go into the history of lipstick, and we're going to talk about a bit of the cultural expression afterwards.

Katie (Host) | 00:05:50 to 00:05:57
Have you ever worn heels? Good question. I don't know. I can't remember. Do you know what the highest heels that I've ever had have actually been?

Katie (Host) | 00:05:57 to 00:06:04
Armani shoes. I sound like a douchebag right now. I was gonna say, I understand. Yep. But they were on Armani exchange.

Katie (Host) | 00:06:04 to 00:06:12
I got them for cheaper. This girl loves a discount, not gonna lie. And I found them. And they were when, those boot chunky platforms? Yep.

Katie (Host) | 00:06:12 to 00:06:22
And they were gorgeous. And I remember walking in them and I was like a new goose. Like, I was new goose. Like, I was like a new goose. I was like a little duckling.

Katie (Host) | 00:06:22 to 00:06:33
He was like, I just couldn't walk in them. My ankles. Okay. You know whenever you see those models on runways and they're like, ankle, ankle, ankle, and they nearly fall into the crowd. That was me.

Archie (Host) | 00:06:33 to 00:06:52
Whatever happened to those Armani platforms? Oh, I'm pretty sure I either donated them or I still have them somewhere because I haven't gotten rid of them someday. And, like, your girl's, like, dating a short king. I'm not into the heels anymore, bros. I don't need to be the taller Amazon that I am.

Archie (Host) | 00:06:52 to 00:07:08
Plus, with your having torn your ACL, heels aren't the best option for you at the moment. I cannot be stopped. Tell you need that. Now let's paint a picture of lipstick history. Ancient Sumerians around 5000 BC are believed to have invented the first lipstick by crushing gemstones to decorate their lips and faces.

Katie (Host) | 00:07:08 to 00:07:11
Can I ask you a question? Yes. Who are Sumerians? No idea. Okay.

Archie (Host) | 00:07:11 to 00:07:30
Meanwhile, in ancient Egypt, both men and women used a substance called mesdemet, a mixture of iodine, bromine and a variety of other ingredients to colour their lips. Oh, so it would have been like, a brownish colour? That's what I'm assuming. So it looks like both heels and lipstick have some kind of history in Egypt. Who would have thought?

Katie (Host) | 00:07:30 to 00:07:46
The original RuPaul's drag race. It all began there. Moving into the mediaeval and Renaissance periods, lipstick's popularity waxed and waned. In England. During Queen Elizabeth I reign, bold red lips were fashionable, and she herself was known for her striking red lips.

Archie (Host) | 00:07:46 to 00:07:58
However, during other periods, lipstick was seen as immoral and associated with witchcraft and deceit. Witchcraft. How interesting. People hate women. Yeah, that's what it is.

Archie (Host) | 00:07:58 to 00:08:17
Maybe they just don't like women who stick out. I think that's what it is. I think. Because if you think about it, people who are bold, who are perceived as bold, who aren't, weren't part of your normal culture. If you think that they might have power or they might stand out, then it's kind of like that tall poppy syndrome.

Katie (Host) | 00:08:17 to 00:08:22
You want to cut them down. That makes sense. Yeah. Because then they could be controlled better. That's true.

Archie (Host) | 00:08:22 to 00:08:33
It's all about control. Yeah. It's about having someone submissive and someone you can control. Yeah. Which is fine if you've agreed into that in the bdsm community, but if you've not consented to such things.

Katie (Host) | 00:08:33 to 00:08:46
We cannot be controlled. The 20th century saw lipstick becoming a mainstream fashion item, thanks in part to Hollywood stars like Clara Bell and Marilyn Monroe. Made red lipstick iconic. Clara bow. Clara bow.

Archie (Host) | 00:08:47 to 00:08:59
Clara Bow. The only reason I know that is because of Taylor Swift. I was like, I don't know who that is. She's got a whole song devoted to Clara Bow and how Clara Bo was cut down as a tall poppy. Oh, yeah, you should know this.

Katie (Host) | 00:08:59 to 00:09:10
Just so everyone knows, fun fact about Archie, he and I have listened to the whole of the Taylor Swift. The new album. The new album. The longer version. It was on the way to down south.

Archie (Host) | 00:09:10 to 00:09:13
Down south, yep. And back. Fun facts. He should know this. It was Busselton, wasn't it?

Archie (Host) | 00:09:13 to 00:09:23
Busselton, Dunsborough, Dungeborough. Was it? Dunsborough? Wherever we were. Anyway, in the 1940s, during World War two, lipstick became a symbol of resilience and patriotism for women.

Katie (Host) | 00:09:23 to 00:09:43
Yeah. Votes for women and post war lipstick continued to evolve with the times, from the bold reds of the 1950s to the natural hues of the 1970s and the vibrant, diverse colours of today. Yeah. If you think about it, going through it, everyone, it's gone with, like, fashion, hasn't it? Yeah, yeah.

Archie (Host) | 00:09:43 to 00:10:03
And fashion changes and, you know, it's also a very look of the time and what's happening in society, whether people are being vibrant and out. They're all very subdued. Yeah, totally. And, like heels, lipstick has been a powerful tool for self expression, especially within the queer community. Drag queens and kings and non binary folk and others have used lipstick to challenge gender norms and express their true selves.

Katie (Host) | 00:10:03 to 00:10:22
They have, yeah. And so the last bit of this, we're going to have a quick look at cultural and queer perspective of heels and lipstick. Yes. So let's talk about how heels and lipstick intersect with gender and fashion. Historically, both items have been used to signify power and status, often challenging traditional gender roles.

Archie (Host) | 00:10:22 to 00:10:55
In queer culture, heels and lipstick have become symbols of defiance and self expressionism. Drag culture in particular has embraced these items to create larger than life Personas that challenge societal norms around gender and beauty. Queer icons like Marsha P Johnson, RuPaul and Billy Porter have all used heels and lipstick as part of their powerful visual statements. These items helps tell stories of resilience, creativity and identity completely. And today, we see a resurgence of heels and lipstick being used in new, innovative ways within the queer community and beyond.

Archie (Host) | 00:10:56 to 00:11:16
Gender fluid fashion is breaking down barriers and makeup brands are becoming more inclusive, celebrating all forms of beauty. Because if you think about it, lipstick and heels separate the two or put them together. Yeah. They are in themselves not related to sexuality and they're not related to gender. Anybody can wear heels if they do.

Katie (Host) | 00:11:16 to 00:11:24
Hope so. I mean, do you want that pain? If you want it, take it on board. Like, go for it. Enjoy yourself and the height that it will create.

Katie (Host) | 00:11:24 to 00:11:41
In the same way, that lipstick doesn't really have any identity either. If you feel like you want to have black lips, purple lips, pink lips, green lips, you do. You. Yeah, you do whatever you want. And I really love that there's this new generation on social media who are breaking these gender norms.

Archie (Host) | 00:11:41 to 00:12:20
It's like clothing doesn't have gender, lipstick doesn't have gender. Nail polish, nail polish, like glossy boys from Perth, that young kid who created that nail polish for everyone. So it's quite interesting when you have society looking at people and, like, drag queens in the queer community and saying, lipstick is gay or heels are gay. When actually, both men and women have worn both back into the, you know, 3000 bc. So it's quite interesting that then society, all of a sudden, in our very small time, has decided that, no, it is feminine and it's not masculine, where it used to be such a thing of power and social status.

Katie (Host) | 00:12:20 to 00:12:27
Well, it's all about control, isn't it? To summarise what we've spoken about in this small, small talk. So I think it's very short. What are we up to? Dunno.

Archie (Host) | 00:12:27 to 00:12:47
To summarise this, both heels and lipstick have ancient origins. Yes. These items have been symbols of power, rebellion and self expression across different cultures and different times. It's almost having somewhat of a resurgent now, you know, with people using it as a powerful tool of its self expression. Well, it is what you make of it, isn't it?

Katie (Host) | 00:12:47 to 00:13:00
All in all. And it just shows that things can mean different things through history. And if you want to put emphasis on it, you can. But really, it is what you make of it. Yeah, it's just a quick thing because we didn't really need to go into too much detail.

Archie (Host) | 00:13:00 to 00:13:35
If you want to learn more, there's lots of resources online for you to read and look through and that kind of stuff. But personally, I love how heels and lipstick can make such bold statements, especially with all the amazing drag queens that have been watching on RuPaul, and that everybody has their individual style and it has their individual statements with their makeup and their clothing and what they like. To wear, and it's part of their identity. It is 1000% a part of their identity. And they're not just fashion statements, heels and lipstick, they're tools for telling unique stories and telling expression and telling us about someone's personality and what makes them them.

Katie (Host) | 00:13:35 to 00:13:51
Yeah, the nuances of humanity. Exactly. And we'd love to hear your stories and thoughts about makeup, heels, gender expression, clothing and that kind of thing. Share them with us on our social media. Get in contact with us on Instagram via email.

Archie (Host) | 00:13:51 to 00:14:06
Let's be perfectly queerpod and share your story about makeup expression. Tell us why you wear what you wear. Would love that. Then we can share your story and people will feel a little bit less alone. Yeah.

Archie (Host) | 00:14:06 to 00:14:13
Yeah. So that's pretty much it. Thank you. Yeah. So those are quick spark notes, small talks, honey.

Archie (Host) | 00:14:13 to 00:14:28
Yeah, it is a small talks, but that's a quick spark notes of a quick look at the history of heels and lipstick. You're like a small of a small. A small of a small. It's kind of like if you had to do a test, you might get 50% true. Guess what?

Archie (Host) | 00:14:28 to 00:14:35
What? I'll give $10 to anybody who can guess what I just pulled out of my jacket pocket. Okay. And then we're gonna leave it there. Yeah.

Archie (Host) | 00:14:35 to 00:14:43
Are we gonna keep that in. And you're gonna give someone $10 if they can guess what's in your jacket pocket? Yes. Well, it's actually in your Udi pocket. They didn't need to know that.

Katie (Host) | 00:14:43 to 00:14:56
There is no video camera here. I could be wearing anything. So to the first listener who goes to our most recent post. Yep. And you comment what you think Katy pulled out of her UDI will get.

Katie (Host) | 00:14:56 to 00:15:04
Don't make it disgusting. Keep it pg. Cause it is pg. Will get dollar ten. Dollar ten or merch to the value of dollar ten.

Katie (Host) | 00:15:05 to 00:15:13
I was just gonna give them a ten dollar note. We can give you merch. Do you know what? We'll give you merch to the value of dollar ten. Cause I feel like that's better merchandising.

Archie (Host) | 00:15:13 to 00:15:34
It would probably be better than $10. We're a business. So you heard it here. If you've got this far in this small talk, go to our most recent post and the person who first comments the correct answer will get $10 worth of merch. And for evidence wise, I'll get Archie to take a photo of me holding up what I have in my hands that came out of my pocket.

Katie (Host) | 00:15:34 to 00:15:47
Yes, it'll be great. Well, on that note, I hope you've enjoyed this quick episode. If you did, don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on all your favourite platforms and share with your friends. Yeah, yeah. Yes, I agree.

Katie (Host) | 00:15:47 to 00:15:53
I agree. I agree. I agree. Yeah. So thank you so much for listening and getting all the way through this.

Archie (Host) | 00:15:53 to 00:16:05
Such long episode. It's been a mountain. It's been an effort to really get through all the information. It's just so much epic adventures. We've gone on a journey together today.

Katie (Host) | 00:16:06 to 00:16:15
All right, you need a phishing. It feels like you aged, like, a lot since the start of this. But anyway, thank you. Good luck on editing that bit. Yeah, I'm just going to cut that bit out.

Archie (Host) | 00:16:15 to 00:16:22
Thank you for listening. And until next time, I hope that we have been perfectly queer. Perfectly queer.