The 1930s saw the invention of two unique shoe styles that are still popular today. The first platform shoe was developed in the mid-thirties by the illustrious French shoemaker Roger Vivier, while Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo designed the first wedge shoe in 1936. Wood and cork were used to create these high soles and they were covered with cloth, leather and decorated with sequins, embroidery, or bows.
The Art Deco movement flourished in the 1930s and designs and patterns from this art movement – eg: the sunburst motif – seeped into the world of women’s footwear. The silver screen also inspired women to think outside the (shoe)box with stars like Ginger Rodgers and Greta Garbo setting the bar high for footwear fashion.