Jeweled Pumps: The New Statement Piece of a Wardrobe?

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You may have seen them recently in collections, jewel pumps are back! Elegant or flashy? Opinions differ on this. At Modalova, we wanted to highlight this piece, which has gone from the court of King Louis XIV to the streets of 5th Avenue. And offer some outfit ideas for those of you who are more adventurous and want to make this piece your own.

The return of the Versailles aesthetic in the pump?

As is often the case in the fashion world, trends don’t come out of nowhere. And the trend of jewel pumps is a direct reference to the hip court of King Louis XIV, where jewel-adorned high-heeled shoes were the hit of the moment! 

If we take a little trip back in time, high-heeled shoes first appeared with a square heel. A fashion trend that we can still find today with the models of babies that are once again flying off the shelves. It wasn’t until the late 1940s – early 1950s that the stiletto heel made its way into women’s ready-to-wear fashion shows and found its place in wardrobes.

The era of the Sun King marks an interesting chapter in the history of the influence of this piece and fashion in general. On the one hand, high-heeled shoes, which were previously only worn by men, became integrated into women’s wardrobes. Moreover, the court of King Louis XIV, and the king himself, being very fashion-conscious, also reimagined the piece. 

As lovers of colorful and detailed outfits, they brought ornaments made of buckles, jewels, and embroidery to the piece. These ornaments appeared around 1660, with a real highlight in the 18th century. Originally used to fasten the shoe, buckles quickly became a significant decorative element, demonstrating both refinement and wealth. They became so popular that the Sun King made them mandatory for anyone coming to Versailles.

Shoe buckles, which became increasingly expensive over the years, were adorned with precious stones at social events. It was during this period that rhinestones were created, offering ornaments that imitated diamonds at a more affordable cost. These ornaments were chosen to match the outfit, which was also full of grandeur, and they evolved over the years, both in appearance and placement on the shoe. In 1792, buckles went out of fashion because they created too strong of a social differentiation. Metals were used to create war materials for the revolution.

It was also under Louis XIV that Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, the king’s younger brother, started the trend of the same pair of shoes, in a version with red heels. A deep red, simply from the blood of the cattle covering the quarter of the Grande Boucherie in Paris, where he had gone to party. Back at Versailles, he unknowingly started a new trend among the court of the King, and the King himself found the appearance of the shoes striking.

A rich period in the history of fashion that still inspires designers today. Especially with the comeback of jewel pumps, bringing the era of Versailles back to life, with a few extra centimeters! 

How to create a look with jewel pumps?

Nowadays, we rediscover jewel pumps in a more modern and refined version. The ornaments now adorn pointed-toe stilettos, in the form of buckles, flowers, or suns made of multiple crystals. This pair, which stands out in an outfit, gives us a feeling of déjà vu…

Indeed, for fashion and series fans, we immediately think of Big’s request to the iconic Carrie Bradshaw, with a pair of Manolo Blahniks! This pair, in a deep blue, adorned with a textured buckle-shaped jewel, seduced more than one person. This scene notably contributed to the brand’s fame and the spread of the jewel pump trend. 

After a quiet period, we find jewel pumps back in collections. These pairs are pieces of fashion that divide opinions. With their strong character, you either love them or you don’t. Or you look at them from a distance, wanting to wear them but feeling like you can’t dress like Carrie Bradshaw to go to the office… 

What’s different this season is, on the one hand, the accessibility of jewel pumps at different price points. And on the other hand, their versatility in different outfits.

We can find these pairs from high-end designers, such as Alexandre Vauthier or Amina Muaddi. However, they come with a high price tag that corresponds to the brand’s reputation and craftsmanship. On the other hand, in response to the public’s attraction to the series Sex and the City and the Instagram and Pinterest aesthetics that highlight jewel pumps, more “affordable” brands have started producing models to target more restricted budgets. Brands like Zara, Cosmoparis, and Stradivarius are making their own versions. La Redoute even offers a more “Versailles” version with a square heel.

These pairs also play with different colors, levels of transparency, textures, heel shapes, and ornaments. This makes them interesting and easier to combine with outfits. Because, indeed, you no longer need to wear a satin cocktail dress to wear jewel pumps. This season, rhinestone shoes can be worn in different looks, both for the day and for going out. 

How to wear jewel pumps at the office?

When you see a pair of jewel pumps, you may think “too much” if you want to wear them in an office environment. However, by carefully choosing other pieces of your outfit, especially by opting for classic pieces with neutral cuts and colors, the pair can elegantly fit into your office attire, adding just a touch of character. For example, you can pair them with dark jeans and a white t-shirt. This combination, rather understated, allows the shoes to stand out without overwhelming the outfit with other visually strong elements. As a result, the shoes blend into the overall look and attract less attention. 

The pair can also contrast with an all-black look, as we can see below.

You can also work on a bolder office look with a feminine two-piece suit in a vivid monochrome color, such as the trendy pink this month. And break up the ensemble with jewel pumps in a different color, like deep green, or play it safe with a black pair. If you’re not comfortable with a pink suit, a more classic version can be jazzed up with a pair of jewel pumps in a slightly flashier color, as we can see below.

The pair of jewel pumps can be incorporated into office and everyday looks, more or less prominently, depending on their color, material, and the size of their ornament. For your comfort, you can opt for a low heel or even choose a flat version with an ornament.

Shoe jewelry as a new necklace?

For an evening outfit, the focus should be on finding the right balance in the harmony and accessorizing of the outfit. Indeed, the ornamentation of jewel pumps occupies an important place in the visual. Therefore, you should choose cuts and patterns that don’t add too much visual information in different parts of the body. Otherwise, you might end up with an outfit that doesn’t flatter you. When it comes to bracelets, necklaces, and rings, limit the number of pieces so you don’t shine from all sides, as the shoe ornament is already present.

You can wear a form-fitting dress, satin-like or slightly textured, with a very delicate necklace. It’s also possible to play with jewel pumps in transparent material and echo their color in your dress. Pants combinations can also be enhanced by this pair, with a nod to their color through a clutch, for example. It’s therefore advisable to play with color combinations rather than adding more jewelry to enrich your outfit and make it harmonious.

In short, at first glance, we may find this piece intriguing. But if worn well, it can be suitable for various occasions, both on the streets and at evening events. So, it’s your turn to go shop for your pair of jewel pumps at Modalova and walk in the footsteps of Carrie Bradshaw!