Given recent runway tendencies toward ever-tottering shoe heights (the Spring 2009 Runway was notorious for having shoes styles that were positively dangerous to models’ walking health), it should come as no surprise that platform shoes are making a serious play for your Spring.Summer 2009 shoe-dollar.

This ‘higher the better’ silhouette on women’s heels is anything but subtle this season.  And, if you want to fly with the angels, several of this season designer offerings are about as close as you will get while still technically keeping your feet on the ground.

Let’s begin with the now-infamous ankle-breakers from Prada - and possibly the most dangerous shoes on the Spring 2009 Runways. I highly recommend avoiding the slipper-socks that turned these into dangerous devices of runway torture.

Prada platforms on the left are on sale at Saks for $482. The Prada Whipsnake slingbanks go for $695.

Next we have Prada’s near-cousin, Miu Miu; with an added nod to one of this season’s textural details - Bamboo.

Now we come to Yves St. Laurent. Well, given the incredible popularity of the YSL Tribute platforms, the Tribtoo’s are pretty much a gimme in the platform category. Plus, they have such a clean and elegant line, how can you go wrong? But, if you want something more trendy, YSL’s  got you covered there as well with gladiators, strappy sandals and caged styles.

And, of course, I would never forget Msr. Louboutin. I would certainly be remiss if I didn’t include a selection from shoe-dom’s current golden boy and purveyor footwear both feminine and fetish-inspired: Not single. Not double. Yes, it’s true, these are triple-platform pumps.

Can I get a Hoo-Rah!

But, lately, I can’t seem to stop ogling offerings from Guiseppe Zanotti. These are definitely not in my immediate future shoe-budget, and I’m not sold on the yellow buckle detail - Oh, and there’s that whole silly little issue of walking on a 1.5-inch heel *eek* to consider.  But, oh, that middle shoe is so pretty! (My weakness for oxfords is definitely showing here.  Unfortunately, my ankles are wobbling just looking at these)

This is just a small sampling of the many everyday-extreme platforms available this year.  Every time I turn around, there are more offerings - from high-end indulgences to more affordable (think Betsey Johnson & Jessica Simpson) splurges.

I believe that the shortest platforms shown here are 3/4 inches. Many of theses are actually closer to a 1.25 inch or greater lift under the toe; making these styles suitable for experienced heel wearers only.

These bring to mind a statement I encountered last fall, but whose original source I cannot recall (Paraphrased from memory):

“If models, trained to walk in such (exaggerated) heels, are unable to do so, what hope is there for us mere mortals?”

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Hello warmer weather!

As we move into another spring season, certain classic footwear trends have re-emerged as if on an annual schedule. In this case, the trend is of rope-like espadrilles and cork-soled sandals. These continue to be casual warm-weather favorites.

This spring and summer it will be tough to go wrong style-wise if your sandals include a cork sole; or perhaps rafia, bamboo, or jute details. Natural textures, warm tan and brown colors, and an earthy, Boho vibe are making a huge appearance in stores this spring.

First up - Prada’s Rafia, Cork, and Bamboo Wedges:

Prada Raffia Wedge Sandals $650 at Saks.com

Prada Bamboo Wedge Platforms $695 at Saks.com

Prada Wedge Platform Cutout Sandals $750 at Saks.com

I’m not finding myself to be much of a fan of the rafia, and I can take or leave the whole cork thing, but the bamboo is pretty intriguing.

Volatile Shoes also has a few bamboo-wrapped offerings in their spring line-up (with more of a reedy effect): Read the rest of this entry »

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It’s no mystery that metallics mysteriously come into fashion every Spring. Each year, the fashion magazine report, with breathless admiration, how “New!” and “Exciting!” this ground-breaking trend is. Whatever people; we’re on to you. We knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make metallics any less fun. In the spirit of fun Spring trends, here are some of the fancier metallic footwear that is (or will soon be) available.

Marc Jacob Heart Heel, approx $638 (converted from British Pounds).

A more practical version is the Marc Jacobs Heart Ballerina, approx $475 (converted from Euros)

Nicholas Kirkwood Black and Gold Sandals, approx $787 (converted from GBP)

Remember these from Phillip Lim’s Spring collaboration with Christian Louboutin (we wrote about it!)? Well now you can get your own pair. Britney Spears already got hers (in the red, heeled version). She’s got them on in her video for “If You Seek Amy.” The people dressing her are really working hard these days. Check out the Christian Louboutin “Adona” Sandal, $1265 at Saks.

CL also shows us what would happen if a disco ball was reimagined as a shoe. The Very Galaxy Platform Pump is available at Saks for $1295.

Brian Atwood gives us a cool Gold Wedge Sandal ($1870, but only available on request).

Prada has a Christmas wrapping type lace up sandal.

Pierre Hardy gives us geometric sandals in both silver and gold. Available on www.pierrehardy.com.

And let’s not forget the shoes we saw on the runway at NY Fashion week 2009. These suckers won’t be available for a good long while and are oficial part of “Fall,” but designers this season seemed a bit confused about what is constitutes Spring and Fall, so bring them on.

I remember when I saw this armored gold bootie at the Karen Walker shoe, I nearly fell out of my seat. It’s even more gorgeous in person than it is in photos.

And Costello Tagliapietra’s models rocked the runway in these and these:

Johnathan Saunders shone when he showed these:

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I’m fairly confident that I’m not the only gal who fell in love with these Prada shoes last year:

So breathtakingly gorgeous!

These Prada lovelies retailed for $590 last spring. If you were lucky, you were able to find them on clearance in your size for about $300. Long since sold out everywhere (except for a few pricey pairs that surface occasionally on ebay), you now have a chance to own an ‘inspired’ near-duplicate knockoff made by Pelle Moda:

Pelle Moda ‘Holly’ $101.50 $145 at Shoes.com

If these babies are still too rich for the budget-conscious, there is yet another lower-end alternative via the Newport News website.

Newport News Patent Pump with Floral Detail $49 $39

This one is not nearly as successful as either the original or the Pelle Moda copy. But, it will fit in most budgets. I actually wouldn’t mind the purple color variation, but I am horribly distracted by the excessive plastic-entombed glitter of this molded heel. These would have been much better off had somebody (anybody!) resisted the urge to pick up the glitter stick.

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Ever wonder what would happen if a fictional character was interpreted into a shoe?  Meet the Two-Faced shoe.  Like the sympathetic Harvey Dent from Batman: The Dark Knight, this Moschino Cheap and Chic Fall 2009 shoe is part dark boot and part happy, summertime sandal.   It’s a shoe that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.

Other shoes from the Moschino Cheap and Chic fall runway collection weren’t quite as interesting, like this suede wedge with cutout.

Even an version of the wedge with ruffles didn’t raise an eyebrow since it reminded me of the lace and ruffle collection from the Prada Fall 2008 show.

Photos from Coutorture and Elle.com

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