Platform shoes have experienced a resurgence in popularity, making a notable comeback on the runways and in designer collections since last season. Luxury fashion houses such as Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, and Dolce & Gabbana have all embraced this trend. Let’s delve into the history of platform shoes and explore this “elevated” phenomenon.
The origins of platform shoes can be traced back to ancient Greece. Initially worn by tragic actresses, these shoes quickly gained popularity among women of high society in the 18th century. Wedge heels were initially practical, serving to protect ladies from the muddy streets.
Venice also has a rich history with platform shoes. Venetian women wore “chopines” to shield themselves from water flowing through the city’s alleys. These raised heels could reach astonishing heights of 75 centimeters. Interestingly, chopines faced bans in Venice twice, in 1430 and 1512, due to pregnant women frequently falling and experiencing an increase in miscarriages.
The trend of wedge heels continued to captivate fashion enthusiasts in the 1930s, becoming a staple in high-end fashion. Designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Roger Vivier played a significant role in popularizing this trend during that era. To create their platform shoes, fashion houses incorporated various materials like cork, Bakelite, and synthetic resin.
In 1971, Yves Saint Laurent revived the platform shoe, drawing inspiration from the fashion trends of the 1940s. Eventually, the platform shoe became a symbol of the hippie communities and pop culture.
Platform shoes experienced a resurgence in the 1990s with the rise of punk fashion. Vivienne Westwood, a prominent figure in the fashion world, created her iconic platform shoes for her Mini Crini collection in 1986.
Like any fashion trend, platform shoes were embraced by numerous celebrities. Jane Birkin often paired them with flared jeans in a boho-chic style. Jodie Foster’s red wedges in the film “Taxi Driver” also helped popularize the trend. Additionally, members of ABBA, Elton John, and the Spice Girls confidently rocked platform shoes in their music videos. Today, celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Eva Mendes continue to embrace this trend.
Since 2015, platform shoes have experienced a resurgence in the realm of high-end fashion. Their bold, graphic, and colorful designs have become a standout detail, appealing to fashion enthusiasts during Fashion Weeks. Iconic platform shoes, like Yves Saint Laurent’s Salome heels, Salvatore Ferragamo designs, and Vivienne Westwood’s Super Elevated Gillie, have stood the test of time.
Other fashion houses have taken inspiration from this age-old trend, including Christian Louboutin with his espadrille-style wedges, Givenchy, Charlotte Olympia, and Pierre Hardy.
A trend that set Parisian feet on fire during Fashion Week is fur detailing on platform shoes. It remains to be seen if fashion enthusiasts will dare to mix these two trends. In the meantime, the platform shoe trend continues to thrive.
Useful links:
1. Vogue Fashion Show Gallery
2. InStyle Fashion News
