Wooden Mules in Film: Avere Vent’anni (1978)

Avere vent’anni, directed by Fernando Di Leo, is a film strongly rooted in the atmosphere and visual culture of late 1970s Italy.

Set within a youthful and free-spirited environment, the film offers a clear representation of the era’s fashion, particularly in its more spontaneous and everyday expressions.

One of the most interesting elements from a footwear perspective is the presence of Lilli Carati, who can be seen throughout the film wearing wooden mules typical of the period. These feature a beige strap, a sculpted high heel, and a clean, elevated silhouette, closely aligned with late 1970s trends.

The footwear is not limited to isolated appearances. On the contrary, wooden mules are worn consistently across multiple scenes: walking, moving through urban spaces, and even in more dynamic moments. This continuity makes them a distinctive visual element, contributing to posture, movement, and overall character presence.

Alongside Carati, the film also features Gloria Guida, another key figure of Italian cinema in that era, reinforcing the film’s strong connection to late 1970s aesthetics and femininity.

Within this context, wooden mules are not simply accessories, but part of a broader visual language tied to freedom, youth, and the evolving identity of women in Italian cinema of the time.