The Hatter's Coattails: May 2011

Is it a sandal? Is it a platform? Is it a clog? What ever you name them, these chunky shoes are strutting down world's runways exuding decadence, confidence and tons of character.

Kenzo's 40th Anniversary Show

The practicality of these shoes' flat soles yet boldness of their towering elevation makes them a striking, artistic statement and a popular choice on the feet of modern women as a shoe that is stylish and surprisingly comfy.

The best way to describe these heavy duty shoes is as a hybrid of chopines which were used during the Renaissance and Japanese geta sandals called okobo, worn by geisha-in-training.

Chopines (above) are elevating “blocks” worn by women during the Renaissance to add height to the wearer and protect their dresses from dirt and mud. Ranging from painfully practical to disgustingly decedent these shoes were worn across Europe by the upper classes. Many Royal pairs were adorned with diamonds and gold. A strange contraction think, as the shoes worn to protect their dresses from mud, yet the diamonds encrusted on their shoes are of no concern.

In Venice Chopines were worn by all Venetian Beauties as height was seen as a symbol power and perfection. The shoes looked beautiful, however were not as practical as they are today. Women were often in intense pain or immobility. Thankfully, as women of wealth, many report to seeing women surrounded by worried looking men and servants whose job was to catch the women in the case that one fell or lost their balance.

Traditional Japanese geta sandals called okobo, were worn by geisha-in-training.

These modern revisions hold on to their practical roots, providing a much deserved relief to the feet of working gals and shop-a-holics alike who, faced with a day on their feet, can do away with 9 inch wedges and towering stilettos in favor of these chunky kicks that will pump up their wearer as they strut their stuff all day long.

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Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei sent models soaring in her decadent take on traditional geta sandals 'okobo'. The Beijing-based couturier's style conjures images of indulgence of Christian Dior and theatricality of Alexander McQueen.

Guo Pei, Fall/Winter 2010

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