The Grecian Sandal
Greek sandálion, diminutive of sandalon ‘sandal’. The winged sandals were a symbol of the Greek messenger god Hermes. They were said to be made by the god Hephaestus of imperishable gold and they flew the god as swift as any bird.
Following the exhibition ‘Shoes: Pleasure and Pain’ at the V&A Museum curated by Helen Persson, Grecian sandals are in the spotlight up to contemporary fashion times.
A tiny terracotta statuette of Aphrodite on loan from the British Museum, made in Greece in the first century BC, shows her wearing platform sandals. As Persson points out: “In ancient Rome and Greece, free men wore shoes and slaves didn’t. The distinction is as ancient, and as stark as that.” The Guardian
In contemporary times, sandals have turned out to be more a fashion statement, than a status symbol. Featured in variable colors, minimal or opulent designs – modern sandals have their own history – inspired benchmark. In 2013, Grecian sandals were featured at the lighting of the Olympic Flame. The prestigious ceremony of the relay of the Olympic torch was held in the Ancient Olympia, Greece. The chorus, 40 priestesses, 6 men and a boy, wore hand-crafted Ancient Greek Sandals
All photos are courtesy of the brand Ancient Greek Sandals.