In the time of Louis XIV, wigs and heels were symbols of masculinity and power within the nobility. In fact, men used makeup for the occasion
When the monarch Louis XIV ruled, what most wore were men, they wore high wigs, heels and makeup to distinguish themselves as a nobleman with a lot of power, whoever did not use them was a symbol of low social level. Although nowadays those who wear makeup and heels are more for feminine reasons, at that time it was a sign of power and masculinity.
The fashion for shoes with heels comes from Asia, then it entered Europe with force, mainly in France, men used them as a symbol of belonging to high spheres of power and great wealth.
Heeled shoes symbolized being on top, that is, those who ruled were above all, men who wore high heels distinguished themselves as the nobles who ruled the country.
But like everything, to complement the outfit, the nobles wore wigs, these were made of horse hair, goat hair or human hair. Wearing wigs made them look tall and classy in the Louis XIV fashion.
According to the historian Bass-Krueger, Louis XIV wore very high heels in red. "During his reign, the taller and redder the heels, the more powerful the wearer was." King Louis only allowed heels of this color to those closest to him.
The expert also refers that the first to wear heels were the Persian horsemen in the 10th century. And as a curious fact, she emphasizes that at that time they did not care about comfort, the nobles looked for quirky clothes to be noticed, that is why they wore high wigs and heels, they did not care much about symmetry, for them the most important thing was to be noticed.
And to further complement the heels, makeup and wigs, noble men wore long, elegant skirts embroidered with gold. The court of Louis XIV was distinguished by an extravagant fashion, crammed with details.
Such was the importance of distinguishing himself for King Louis XIV that he was able to make an edict where he says that only members of the high nobility can wear red heels. This opinion contrasted with the reality in which the people lived, that is, for them heels were not useful, since the work was arduous and heavy and the streets were not paved, they were full of potholes.
Currently it is women who predominate in wearing heels, wigs and makeup, of course some practices have been resumed, for example Drag men and who wear makeup and wear heels, everything is stereotype and there is now freedom to dress and make up as they want.