Engaged in the clothing industry for 20 years.

Item of the week: the platform boot
What it is:
Platform boots have retained somewhat of a cult status over recent years
after making their debut in the industry in the 60s and 70s, where they
were worn by the likes of David Bowie, Kiss and other rock stars from
decades past. Much of the boot style’s current resurgence is due to, in
part, the rise of the ‘gothcore’ trend, a subset of Gen Z’s favoured Y2K
trend. This post-punk fashion aesthetic has been widely adopted by the
younger generation, as they regularly look to reassemble trends from the
past to meet their own demands. Typically a platform ranges from three
centimetres and up, designed as a simple sole addition that will bring a
bit of grunge to any style. While some of the iterations of the trend can
be quite extreme, with over-the-top heights and flashy embellishments,
others take on a more toned down approach, with the platform simply used to
bring a bit of an edge to a simple black ankle boot.

Why you’ll want it:
The platform boot’s return to the front and centre of the fashion world has
been influenced by many factors, all mostly driven by young shoppers and
their particular interest in nostalgic trends. Much of the shoe style’s
current popularity can also likely be attributed to being spotted on
influential Gen Z celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and Bella
Hadid. As leaders of the Y2K trend, these women in the public eye have a
lot of impact on younger, fashion-forward consumers who are striving to
adopt a more individualistic take on their wardrobe. The platform offers an
alternative to the standard ankle boot that is still wearable and practical
but allows for a more daring exploration of the footwear style. It is also
a look that continues to make its rounds year-after-year, regularly
returning as either a high-fashion shoe trend or in Dr Marten-esque
streetwear styles.

Where we’ve seen it:
Rick Owens arguably thrusted the platform boot back into the limelight last
year, making it a prominent part of his SS22 runway, apparent in chelsea
boot remakes and thigh-high strappy designs. For the coming season, chunky
boots have become a staple. The style was a pivotal part of Balmain’s AW22
runway, with sky high soles that brought a new meaning to the platform.
While the ankle boots remained simplistic in colour and style, the
exaggerated platform provided an unconventional element to the look. For
Gucci’s retro-chic AW22 show, which caused a stir due to the house’s
unexpected collaboration with Adidas, the fashion house presented a set of
funky ankle boots, complete with buckle details and linear prints. While
the shape and silhouette was reminiscent of the typical 70’s boot trends,
its extreme platform was emphasised by the use of a reflective material, a
not-so-subtle nod to the glam rock fashion movement. Taking a very similar
approach, Altuzarra also drew influence from retro shoe trends, presenting
a simplified ankle boot style that appeared next to platform sandals, which
further displayed the brand’s commitment to the heightened style.

How to style it:
This chunky style provides the perfect contrast to dresses and tailored
looks, offering a more casual alternative to other forms of footwear. A
matching co-ord suit is a particularly good choice for the platform boot
trend, allowing for the style to also work in an office environment and
formal settings. Flowy skirts, whether they be satin or another lightweight
material, also work well with this boot silhouette. Pair the duo with an
oversized sweater for a look that can be worn on a daily basis. For the
colder months, bring a bit of edge to the chunky knits, either with a knit
dress or a jeans and jumper combo that will each benefit from the grungey
addition to the outfit. However, if it is full grunge that you want to go
for, opting for an all black outfit is the way to go. Pair the platforms
with dark skinny jeans and an oversized blazer for a monochromatic look
that doubles the edginess.

The platform boot is another nostalgia-driven style that has pushed its way
back into the limelight as one of the most popular shoe trends for this
season and the next. Its connection to ongoing fashion movements and its
established place in pop culture means it’s a look that resonates with
younger shoppers and provides a snappy alternative to other boot styles.

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