Fashion Victims : The Perils of Platforms
For more than 2,000 years people have always wanted to be a little taller than they actually are. The history of the platform shoe is long and interesting ... and it hasn't always been about fashion.
These sky-high shoes helped royals navigate the muck of medieval streets and provided Greek and Japanese thespians with a much-needed height boost—up to 6 inches (15 cm) on stage.
Interestingly, in 1670, the British Parliament outlawed many accessories for married women, including makeup, artificial teeth, false hair, bolstered hips, and platform shoes, with punishments as severe as death. Imagine that today!
In 1938 Salvatore Ferragamo, shoemaker to the stars, crafted the Rainbow sandal, a timeless creation, for Judy Garland. His fashion-forward platform sandal is considered modern, even today.
When the disco era emerged in the 1970s platforms were once again all the rage. Both men and women (think John Travolta and Saturday Night Fever) indulged in platform sandals and shoes. I remember this time so very well, and I thank it for my bunions now!
We wore bell bottom trousers which brushed the very bottom of our shoes and made us look a million miles tall.
Platforms made a come back again in the 1990s with Vivienne Westwood leading the trend. Who can forget Naomi Campbell’s face plant on the catwalk wearing her 9” heels.
It wasn’t only models and superstars who came to grief wearing stylish platforms and towering stilettoes. Julia Gillard made headlines after falling in high heels while working on bilateral relations and a uranium deal in India.
Recently, we’ve seen the return of the “flatform”—a flat sandal or oxford featuring a thick platform sole. And the single-sole pump has also become a staple for modern women. While I adore my flatform sandals, I’ve had my fair share of mishaps, leading to their temporary retirement in the naughty cupboard.
Despite their fashionable appeal, platforms have been associated with various accidents, including falls and difficulty operating machines like cars. Many spills caused by elevated footwear have led to twisted limbs (hello, twisted ankles), broken bones, and contusions. Tragically, in 1999, a Japanese childcare worker suffered a fractured skull and died after falling from high cork-soled shoes several hours earlier.
Like heels, platforms can cause significant discomfort, leading to hip and back pain. They also increase the risk of ankle rolls, which can result in further complications.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the trend, platform shoes offer a blend of nostalgia and modern flair. As fashion continues to evolve, these shoes remind us that style is cyclical and that every generation finds a way to reimagine the past.
Cheers for now,
Deb.