Fashion is like the id. It makes you desire things you shouldn't. ~Bob Morris
I am curious as to why so many designers have chosen to take their shoes to such heights. The reluctant diva in me declares, "Embrace it... be fashionably glamorous!". That sounds very close to suffer for sexy, something I did when I was 20-something and actually believed a little discomfort was worth it.
From the age of 16, I've had an ongoing love affair with shoes, and notably, high heels. From platforms to chunky heels to stilettos, I've always loved elegant shoes with a high heel. Towering in at new elevations however, I'm unable to indulge this fashion "do" as a matter of personal comfort and challenged by the lack of heel options for many of the shoes that I would acquire given the advantage of choice.
For many women, this has become a growing issue and was addressed by shoeblog.com as recently. Hannelore Daniel, trend expert for the online shoe and handbag Web site Endless.com, explains designers have taken the sky-high route in heels because of what they've heard from women. "Women want to feel sexy and confident, and really high heels do that," she said. Maybe... but not all women equate their sexuality with the size of their heels. In fact, there are more articles on this subject as I happily discovered, creating a source of discussion which should, but does not, include the designers perspective.
A sliver of selections for the 40+ crowd cannot be considered smart marketing in a smart economy. Women within this age group, professionals and entrepreneurs are brand loyalists, and dare I say in this economy, financially independent consumers and curators of fine living. Likely influencers in their given communities and connected to most media and social sites, the brand that talks to this group will win big. Jimmy Choo: ✔ Christian Louboutin: ✔ Guiseppe Zanotti: ✔ Can I get these with 3¾" heels instead of 5?
While the designer is seeking a youthful showcase of their product, they need not exclude one demographic for another. Unsure about this strategy? See Michelle Obama, she is a grand participant in one of the hottest and heavily populated consumer bases: 40+ women in full. Her shoe game ain't bad either.
Petite Complex: Having been petite all my life I’ve toyed with extra high heels, but quickly came to the conclusion that walking in stilettos only proved me to be a runt on stilts and didn’t mask the fact that I was still, “short” - I LOVE SHOES but I also love comfort and if these 5 inches are killing me it will ruin our date. I believe one of the reasons Guiseppe Zanotti was crowned “Shoe Designer of the Year 2009 (http://bit.ly/1NkWbN) is because he knows how to make a sexy shoe under 6inches. Check these out: http://bit.ly/576j3A - Oh and yes, I’m rockin my crystal studded Guiseppe Zanotti ankle boots today, and boy are they comfortable!
ReplyDeleteDear Max... Thanks for your comments and your stature may be short, but your feet will be as good to you as you've been to them! Hope you check back in often.
ReplyDeleteBecause of my current and temporary disability, I can't walk in my fly ass - (clearing my throat)- um ,I mean my cute heels and I have several. My favo8 ones are a pair of wooden chunky 4.5 inch wedge sandals that I purchased from Diavolina years and years ago. Today instead of shuffling down the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica I shuffle them around in my closet to make room for my Oh So Sexy flat balance inspiring shoes made by Aerosole.
ReplyDeleteI am hopeful and very prayerful that one day I'll be able to walk in all of my heels again just like the best of them!
So Rock on Max, and you other readers who currently sport the occasional pair of 5 inches. I'm coming for you Jimmy, Christian and Manolo!!
See, I recognize a real diva when I see one and even when rockin' those Aerosoles, your divatude says Jimmy! You will wear them again and I'll cheer you on cause that's one stroll I ain't taking!
ReplyDelete