The Rise of Flatforms

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. Marc Jacobs' platforms bring us back to the '70s with their rainbow colors adorning the arches of the shoe. Derek Lam is probably the most traditional-basic Maryjanes in camel opened-toe or off-white closed toe upon natural-grained wood.



By and large, though, this spring designers are delivering walkable wedges with no shortage of style. 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. It was much the same in China where the traditional geta's teeth-like elevated soles kept women's feet dry. Platforms soon became something of an art form in Japan with the towering okobos.

For every action in fashion, there is a reaction and taste makers are suddenly crying uncle. Still, in the age of Gaga, it's going to be hard to give up the drama of the platform. So, designers, are giving us a compromise and just in time for the walkable, warmer months of spring.