High Heels – A Symbol of Power and Status

→ Origin: While today high heels are primarily associated with women's fashion, their origins lie in men’s fashion.

In the 17th century, Persian cavalrymen wore heeled boots to secure their feet in stirrups while riding horses. This practical feature later spread to European aristocracy. By the time of Louis XIV of France, high heels had become a symbol of power. The king himself famously wore red heels as a way to demonstrate his superiority, with red being a color reserved for the French monarchy.

→ Today: Heels have evolved into a high-fashion accessory that continues to be emblematic of femininity and elegance. Iconic heels by designers such as Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik are sought after globally, often seen as a symbol of both luxury and status.

#daily_fashion #dafes_archive

Woman on a ship ⚓️
by Yaroslava Kudryashova, Mariya Klyuchevskaya

For centuries, women were excluded from the world of seafaring due to superstition. Ships were given female names, and sailors were expected to devote their care only to “their” woman — the vessel. The presence of any other woman on board was believed to bring misfortune.

This yachting outfit symbolizes the evolution of women’s roles in a traditionally male-dominated domain. Blending elements of naval uniforms with the elegance of a feminine dress, it represents strength, independence, and grace. Inspired by maritime traditions, the design reinterprets history, proving that the sea belongs to everyone.

🖇 explore the project

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Competition: Parajanov. Continuing the Experiment 💫

HSE Art and Design School in Yerevan and Russian-Armenian University, in collaboration with the Sergey Parajanov Museum, announce the third season of the international competition "Parajanov. Continuing the Experiment."

Participants are invited to reimagine everyday objects—furniture, clothing, or digital interfaces — through the bold and poetic visual language of Sergey Parajanov, blending his style with modern technology and AI.

Nominations: Graphic Design, Interactive Design, Objects
Prizes: 100,000 ₽ per category
Submit by: May 18
Exhibition: Summer 2025

Take part and continue the experiment 🌟⭐️

🖇 learn more about the competition

#daily_design #design

🏆HSE Creative Open: Nominations Now Open!

From UX/UI, motion graphics, packaging, and branding to fashion design, photography, and experimental film — DAFES celebrates creativity in all forms.

→ Design Awards: apps, editorial, board games, 3D, calligraphy & more
→ Art Awards: illustration, concept art, music videos, documentaries
→ Fashion Awards: photography, jewelry, object & brand design
→ Education Awards: visual research, creative learning
→ Startups: bold ideas reshaping creative industries

Why to participate?
Gain international exposure, win cash prizes, and get noticed by top industry pros & global partners. I's your unique chance to shine and elevate their careers!

📅 Submissions are open until April 31

🔗 Full list of nominations + deadlines here

#DAFESawards #HSECreativeOpen

📸 DAFES A: Photography Nomination

Open for series-based work in documentary, conceptual, staged, or manipulated photography — across both applied and artistic practices. Photobooks, zines, installations, and photo-objects are also welcome.

💡 Evaluation Criteria:
– Original approach to the series
– Strong conceptual vision
– Technical quality
– Presentation/exhibition (if applicable)

Eligible works: concepts or completed projects created between Nov 1, 2023 – Apr 25, 2025. No proof of publication is required unless requested.

📅 Deadline: April 25

📍Submit your project as a longread on DAFES platform, following this structure: Problem → Idea → Solution → Execution → Outcome.

#DAFESawards #photography #design