Chopine definitions
| Word backwards | enipohc |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | cho-pine |
| Plural | The plural of the word "chopine" is "chopines." |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | o,i,e |
| Consonants (4) | c,h,p,n |
Chopines were a type of platform shoe worn by women in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. These shoes originated in the Middle East and were later adopted in Europe, especially in Venice, Italy.
Chopines were designed with a raised platform sole that elevated the wearer's foot several inches off the ground. These shoes were worn primarily by noblewomen or women of high social standing as a symbol of status and wealth.
History of Chopines
The history of chopines dates back to the 15th century when they were first introduced in Venice. Initially, chopines were worn as a way to protect the wearer's feet from mud and dirt on the streets. Over time, they became a fashion statement and grew in height, reaching up to 20 inches tall.
Design and Construction
Chopines were typically made of wood or cork, with the platform sole covered in luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, or leather. The shoes were sometimes adorned with intricate embroidery, jewels, or ribbons to enhance their appearance.
Symbolism and Social Status
Wearing chopines was a way for women to signify their wealth and social standing. The taller the chopine, the more affluent the wearer was believed to be. However, these shoes were also seen as impractical and were often associated with restricting women's movement.
In the 17th century, the popularity of chopines began to decline as fashion trends shifted towards more practical and comfortable footwear. Eventually, chopines fell out of favor, and their use ceased altogether.
Despite their disappearance from modern fashion, chopines remain an important symbol of the extravagance and excess of the Renaissance era, showcasing the extreme lengths to which people would go to showcase their wealth and social status.
Chopine Examples
- The historical chopine was a platform shoe worn by women in the 15th-17th centuries.
- She tottered in her extravagant chopines, trying to maintain her balance.
- The chopine was popular among noblewomen who wanted to appear taller and more elegant.
- He studied the construction of the chopine in his history of fashion class.
- The actress wore chopines to give her character a more regal and imposing presence on stage.
- The cobbler specialized in creating historically accurate chopines for period films.
- The intricate embroidery on the chopine made it a prized possession of the noblewoman.
- She stumbled on the cobblestone streets in her delicate chopines.
- The chopine was both a fashion statement and a practical way to navigate muddy streets.
- Historians debate the exact height of the chopine and how it affected women's mobility.