Of course

helen Fong

if someone has a legitimate reason for not wanting to wear high heels, I totally understand that. I would never want someone to aggravate a painful ankle by demanding they wear heels. But in general, I feel it’s a shame to forsake high heels. They are an age-old statement of sophistication and glamour. High-society ladies have been slipping their feet into heels since the 16th century and it’s a tradition that should not be readily discarded. High heels also help with posture and poise. Personally, I feel a real boost in confidence when I’m in heels. I have no problem with women wearing flat or comfortable shoes at work or on other occasions, but I think the high heel is an essential part of the aura and atmosphere of a gala or ball. The men are tucked into smart black jackets and the women put on heels that allow them to rise higher, accentuating the elegance of ball gowns. I feel some traditions are worth keeping. I worry that wearing flat shoes may be the beginning of a sad decline in attire at formal functions. What’s next? Trainers and baseball caps? Helen is chairperson of the Hong Kong China Foundation