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The Fashion Statement: The Rise of Flatforms

Filed under: The Fashion Statement


After a long run, the precarious platform shoes we've seen for much of the last decade are giving a new, flatter platform. Or, as I'm calling them-flatforms.

If fashion soothsayers have names like Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Derek Lam, platforms here to stay-in fact, we can expect to see them through fall 2011 (Issey Miyake, above)-but gone are the high arches and their impossible heights. In their place are gentle graduated slopes full of the promise of easy promenades that don't give up much of the stature of their predecessors. That's not to say, these flatter versions are without danger. A fall show in New York featured flatform combat boots that made at least two female models and one male model fall flat on their faces.

By and large, though, this spring designers are delivering walkable wedges with no shortage of style. Marc Jacobs' platforms bring us back to the '70s with their rainbow colors adorning the arches of the shoe. Fendi confounds modern architectural rules with platforms that seem to come in three separate sections-a heel in emerald green, a mid-shoe in brown and a toe in natural wood with a bright blue strap. Derek Lam is probably the most traditional-basic Maryjanes in camel opened-toe or off-white closed toe upon natural-grained wood.

16 Fabulous Fall Finds from J. Crew

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches, Shoes


While I can't speak for the entire Luxist team, I have a pretty good feeling that we all love the fashion offered at J. Crew. They offer well made and long lasting basics mixed with bold statement pieces presented in such a way that you'll wear them forever. Both my husband and I have sweaters and pants that we've purchased over 4 years ago and given their timeless appeal, we're still wearing them today.

J Crew's lookbook and catalog showcase trendsetting and super fashionable ensembles, but I thoroughly enjoy putting my own personal twist to what I wear and the clothing at J. Crew allows me to do just that. After a long hot and at times unbearable summer scorcher, fall's arrival is a welcomed change. It feels relaxing to be at a comfortable body temperature and have a cool breeze pass through the air. Your daily attire can have more depth and substance rather than succumbing to heat and wearing a tank top, shorts and flip flops.

Yves Saint Laurent Asymmetric Platforms

Filed under: Shoes

yves sain laurent pumps To say YSL's Asymmetric Platforms ($920) are brightly colored is an understatement. They are Willy Wonka toxic grape flavored eye candy. They stand out incredibly while on display in a store and even more so when worn. Covered in a stunningly vibrant purple suede, YSL's platforms do not need any extra bells and whistles – the color says it all. And a 5 1/2" heel with a 1 1/4" platform doesn't hurt to really bring home the point "look at my cool ass shoes!"

What to wear with your purple suede shoes? I say go all out and have fun with your outfit. Try a colorful wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg or for a slightly subdued look, wear with grey wide leg wool trousers and a flowy colorful blouse. YSL's Asymmetric Platforms are also available in black but definitely not as daring.

Miu Miu Baroque Wedges

Filed under: Shoes

Miu Miu's Baroque Wedges sit right on the line that separates a good idea from an over-the-top one. Adding some ornamentation to the heel of a wedge sandal is a good idea, since it breaks up the monotony of the otherwise plain space. A design adds something to an overall look, almost like jewelry for your feet. Choosing a heavy baroque carving, however, was not such a good choice. It looks overwhelming on the shoes and they would have to be balanced with a heavy-looking top, not paired with a light dress. Price: $635.

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