Bonjour mes amies, hope you are all immense. As you will soon get to know, the rebel in me likes to be aware of trends just so that I can avoid them. Well darlings, the only comeback I am less happy to see make its return other than shoulder pads, is the kitten heel. Two words that strike pure fear into the heart of any true fashion-obsessed shoe-a-holic. I was attempting to hold back my dislike in terms of blogging but couldn’t any longer after reading an article in the UK Harper’s Bazaar March Fashion Issue by Sarah Bailey called ‘How Low Can You Go?‘. Far too low in my opinion.
In the article, Sarah Bailey makes the accurate observation that they are not only comfortable but practical and whilst I understand that you are 900% less likely to twist your ankle in kitten heels than in sky-scraping heels (as I have learned the hard way numerous times, the most recent of which was twisting my ankle a few weeks ago after falling down the stairs in 4 inch heels) but what would life, and more importantly fashion be without a little risk and adventure?
Boring, is the answer to that question. Kitten heels in my opinion (apologies in advance to any of you darlings who
love them) are for the fashion wimps, the fence sitters who love fashion enough to rarely wear flats and admire the risk takers but still aren’t brave enough to take a high-heeled walk on the wild side. Hardcore fashion is not for the faint hearted. If you truly live and breathe fashion you will be more than willing to catch pneumonia after wearing a strapless dress in the middle of winter just because it’s “far too pretty” to only be worn summer, you will be willing to risk funny looks and social ridicule from people who just don’t ‘get it’ and you will certainly be wiling to risk a broken ankle if it means you get to wear the most gorgeous pair of Louboutin’s ever.
But even my darling Monsieur Louboutin is deserting me, albeit temporarily in favour of le petit heel (see below). Speaking to Sarah Bailey he said, “We’ve had an overdose of very, very high heels…these over-elaborate, non walkable objects have been replacing shoes. For me, the medium heel is also very sweet, as long as it;s not too closed in the front…it keeps on elongating the leg and gives a different kind of silhouette.” I forgave his clear moment of madness because he is human and besides, he said medium heel which is bearable I suppose.
He went on the reassure me further that he hadn’t gone completely insane when he said “kitten heels have changed, they used to be 2cm now they are 7 or 8cm, the kiten heel has grown up.” Definitely better but still not enough in my opinion. The worst thing is that it’s not just the usually wonderful Christian who has turned momentarily over to the dark side. Oh no darlings, the kitten heel is everywhere. Crotcheted, beribboned kitten-heels made an appearance at Missoni (above) whilst Marni and Givenchy showcased black and gold kitten heel sandals. And th
e worst of all, Marc. My darling, darling Marc Jacobs who can do no wrong in my eyes (except this which I will pretend never happened) sent kitten heel clogs down the runway. I’m too traumatised to reflect further on that.
Maybe I am horribly biased though. For as long as I can remember I have had a fascination with shoes, the higher the better in my opinion. The legendary late Alexander McQueen platforms now made infamous by Lady Gaga can only justly be described as a pure work of art. The clickedy clack on the pavement is better than any symphony, the endless legs, improved posture and silhouette they create means that they are a female’s best friend and a good pair of heels can transform the meekest of wallflowers into a confident, sexy, assertive glamazon. I’ve always been a ’shoe’ rather than a ‘bag girl’. Although I adore them, a bag isn’t neccessary for an outfit but the way I see it, everyone has to wear shoes. Despite having had many an injury and like fellow heel addict Victoria Beckham who said of the comeback “I beyond have a problem with kitten heels” and who has been in the press lately for loving heels so much, she may have to have bunion surgery, je ne regrette rien. Every single blister, twisted ankle and possible future surgery was worth it because I was doing my bit for society and showcasing pure artwork. Some call it stupidity, I call it public service. Saving the world one high heel at a time. Gosh, I’d make one awesome superhero.
The way I see it, in fashion and in life, if you’re going to go big, you may as well go all the way or go home. The Full Monty. Monty Carlo or Bust. Darlings, if you are going to demand someone walk a mile in your shoes, at least make sure they are as painfully fabulous as hell. It’s really the least you can do. Life’s too short to sit on the fence. Why be a scaredy cat in kitten heels when you can be a fierce lioness?
So what do you think of the kitten heel mes amies? Love, loathe or indifferent?
Hope you all have a truly fabulous week
Stay safe and chic mes chéries,
English Rose x
Recent Comments