Platform Shoes Are Back and This Is How to Rock Them
Not since the Spice Girls tottered onto the scene in the 90s in their Buffalo trainers and seven-inch stilettos have we been so excited for platform shoes. But thanks to Gucci and Stella McCartney, chunky soles are back for summer and you don't need to strengthen your core to wear them. From trainers to sandals, we're taking our footwear sky high this season for a touch of glamour for our post-lockdown looks.
A far cry from our usual attire of slippers, platform shoes elevate our style quite literally and aren't for the faint hearted (or those suffering from vertigo). With a nod to the glam rock era of Bowie and Abba, the catwalks are awash with stilted ballet slippers and tracker soled boots teamed with girly summer dresses for a satirical juxtaposition. After a year of bland basics and comfortable silhouettes highlighted by something elasticated, it's about time that fashion became fun again. This was exactly the thought process behind Donatella Versace's AW 21 show which saw the Hadid sisters burst onto the scene towering above the set-in platform boots and Mary Jane mules paired with baby doll dresses in rich jewel tones. Moschino, on the other hand, took inspiration from the latest Billie Holliday biopic with Old Hollywood style platform stilettos complete with feminine bow detailing and ankle straps.
This isn't the first time we've seen a platform renaissance. Who remembers the famous Naomi Campbell catwalk topple of the 90's? Created by the queen of punk rock, Vivienne Westwood, the veteran designer is still stomping her way through the fashion seasons in her original wedged soles at the respectable age of 80 years young proving that this trend has no age restrictions. Although intimidating in statue, the platform shoe needn't be a scary notion for tentative fashionistas. The chunky-soled trainers aren't going anywhere anytime soon which can act as the training bras of platforms.
For those more experienced, slip-on mules and retro Mary Janes give outfits more of a statement look with the latter being a more stable option thanks to the sturdy ankle strap. Lastly, for the vertically challenged who laugh at the possibility of a sprained ankle, a platform stiletto heel will always hold their value in the style stakes. Whether it's a lace-up loafer or a designer take on the stripper shoe (that's right), there's no escaping this 70s-style trend and luckily, we have just the pieces to add a little drama to your wardrobe.
