The return of platforms: from catwalks to pubs

Platforms, a perennial favorite at fashion houses like Vivienne Westwood, are back on the crest of a fashion wave. But this fall/winter 2021, the designers decided not only to bring them back, but to make them the main focus of the season. From Versace to Schiaparelli, brands have literally elevated fashion by turning platform boots into renaissance shoes. It's the perfect way to feel at your best, whether it's a night out at the local bar or boarding a flight to Portugal.

Designers approached platforms with unexpected care: in the collections it is easy to find both comfortable models with flat soles and dizzying heels for bright nights. A striking example is the gold platforms from the collaboration between Molly Goddard and UGG. So impressive that you want to wear them not only in the evenings. “They're comfortable,” Goddard said succinctly, having tested the '70s shoes while pregnant and spending time in the studio.

Erdem followed a similar path - his models hovered above the catwalk as if on a cushion of air. An unusual take on ballet shoes added a touch of sass to the romantic look—sophisticated but with character. And Simone Eocha increased the contrast: her scalloped platform shoes emphasized the fragility of the lace dresses with their monumentality. (By the way, her satin ballet flats from the spring-summer 2021 collection are still in the top Instagram.)

Donatella Versace is the queen of “off-work” platforms. At the Versace fall/winter 2021 show, Gigi Hadid triumphantly returned to the stage in massive black leather boots that literally attracted attention. And her sister Bella led the army of Versace girls in minidresses, thick tights and color-block heels. This show sounded like a revival anthem - loud and golden.

The center of fashionable kitsch is in the collections of Prada and Schiaparelli, where shoes sometimes look too avant-garde to be just shoes. And if we talk about the king of theatricality, then this is, of course, Jeremy Scott, who turned his show Moschino into an old Hollywood musical. In his world, only pink platforms with bows will go with a dress with a flamingo. And not a step back.

Platforms are taking over pop culture again. After a forced break from dancing in heels, the stars rushed to change their sneakers to something more spectacular. Dua Lipa at the Brits appeared in a look from Vivienne Westwood with the iconic Ghillie shoes - exactly the same ones that Naomi Campbell once spectacularly fell on the catwalk in the 90s. Remember: if you’re going to fall, do it beautifully—like a supermodel.

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