Black dandy culture took center stage, blending heritage and high fashion
Staffs of office, which are derived from walking sticks, have been used by many religious leaders, mostly in Christianity and Islam. Pictured is an Orthodox protodeacon holding one.
Across the pond, walking canes gained popularity during the 1920s. Pictured is a woman pouring alcohol into her drink from a walking stick during Prohibition.
The use of canes was such a big deal in the UK that the Cane Act was passed in 1822. The act stated that men under the age of 50 had to pay a tax if they carried a cane or umbrella. The exception being if the individual had walking difficulties.
While men rocked the walking cane in style, women were also fans. The walking stick was a unisex fashion accessory.
The popularity of the walking stick established itself further in the 19th century. It became a quintessential accessory to a gentleman’s attire. Pictured is Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde holding a walking stick.
It was not until the 17th and 18th centuries that the walking stick established itself as an essential fashion accessory. Louis XIV of France popularized the trend.
Medieval pilgrims were known to use walking sticks, which assisted them in their travels.
There are numerous biblical references that indicate the use of sticks, including its use by figures like Moses (pictured).
Similarly, walking sticks were popular in ancient Rome.
Walking sticks were commonly used by travelers, shepherds, and soldiers in ancient Greece. Pictured holding a stick is Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras.
We can trace the roots of walking sticks/canes to primitive times. Sticks were used to assist with walking, hunting, and for protection in general.
In ancient Egypt, elaborate staffs were carried by high-ranking officials and pharaohs as symbols of their authority and power.
The singer holds a walking stick during her performance at the 2013 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
Like her fellow actress and friend Selma Blair, Christina Applegate also suffers from MS, and she too uses stylish walking sticks to assist her walking.
Sources: (Art Walking Sticks) (WalkingCanes.com) (Ability Superstore)
See also: Learn about multiple sclerosis and the stars who suffer from it
The model and actress poses for a photo with a cane at the 2022 Met Gala in New York City.
The Queen of Pop is no stranger to walking sticks. Madonna has used them as both props in her shows and as part of her looks on numerous occasions.
The actress was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and carries a walking stick to assist her walking. Of course, these are no ordinary walking sticks. Blair is one stylish woman, after all.
You can't go wrong with a monochrome number with a touch of gold in your walking stick.
Here, Nick Cannon poses for a photo with his walking stick at the 2013 NBC Summer Press Day.
RiRi is probably best known for her umbrella, but the singer can also rock the walking stick look.
The actor turned heads when he arrived at the 2012 Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards in LA with an elegant walking cane. The actor was sporting the accessory due to a knee injury.
The famous American actor and director's walking stick resembled a pool cue. Here's Welles carrying it at the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles in 1979.
From shepherd's crooks to stylish canes, King Charles III is a big fan of walking sticks, and has been for a while!
The English actress poses for a photo circa 1995 with a walking stick in her hand.
The famous music artist is pictured arriving at Heathrow Airport in London in October 1973, after his US tour had finished.
The Spanish artist had a rather unique style. Here is Dalí back in 1964 with one of his favorite fashion accessories.
The former British Prime Minister was known for his signature walking stick, which he started carrying everywhere following a stroke.
The famous dancer and actor used a walking cane (or shall we say dancing cane?) as a prop in many of his choreographies.
The walking stick became very popular among royals, particularly the British royal family. Pictured is the then-Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII circa 1898. Now, let’s take a look at other famous people rocking walking canes.
Walking sticks, also known as walking canes, are not only used to aid walking, but are also fascinating fashion accessories. The history of walking sticks can be traced back to the dawn of humanity. Indeed, we have been carrying sticks for millennia, but around the 17th century things changed and the walking stick became a fashion statement rather than just a device with practical functions.
In this gallery, we take you through the history of the walking stick, from ancient times all the way up to the 21st century. Click on to start the journey.
The stylish allure of the walking stick
A walk through the history of the walking cane
FASHION Accessories
Walking sticks, also known as walking canes, are not only used to aid walking, but are also fascinating fashion accessories. The history of walking sticks can be traced back to the dawn of humanity. Indeed, we have been carrying sticks for millennia, but around the 17th century things changed and the walking stick became a fashion statement rather than just a device with practical functions.
In this gallery, we take you through the history of the walking stick, from ancient times all the way up to the 21st century. Click on to start the journey.