. "Label for the exhibition Shoes: Pleasure and Pain\n\nThe Powerful Mistress \nMadame de Pompadour was the official mistress\nof King Louis XV and a leader of fashion. She helped to popularise this style of shoe in which the heel is placed directly under the instep. The sensuously curving and precariously high 10.5 cm heel made the foot look petite but it also made the wearer totter dangerously, as it gave no proper support.\n\nPompadour\u2019 shoes\n1750\u201360\nFrance\nBrocaded silk, silk damask and leather; silver and pastes (glass)\nGiven by Messrs Harrods Ltd\nV&A: T.423&A-1913 (shoes); T.437&B-1913 (buckles) [2015-2016]"@en . . .