Boys in heels

Shoes with high heels were part of the basic uniform for mounted Persian soldiers – they helped in maintaining balance when the soldiers rose to shoot their arrows. In the 16th century, Shah Abbas, who had the world's largest cavalry, sent his first diplomatic mission to Europe to the courts of Russia, Castilla and Germany, and afterwards, everything 'Oriental' became fashionable, including shoes with high heels, which aristocrats incorporated into their outfits to look taller, stronger and more virile. Women also got in on the fashion, and until the 19th century it was common for both sexes to wear them.

Now, every Thursday the Axel Hotel reminds us that heels are also for men and opens its Pop Bar to anyone wanting to get back to feeling like the first Persian soldiers – or perhaps like a stunning and fashionable diva.