platform shoes 

Believe it or not, but shoes have been around for as long as about 8000 B.C. At least, that’s as far back as the traces of shoes can be found. Native Americans from that long ago time have left traces of the earliest existing shoes. Since then, shoes have come a long long way. Almost everything in the fashion scene follows a repetitive lifecycle. The 70’s fads were reinvented and reclaimed by popular endorsement in the 90’s.

The Bell-bottoms, which were a fashion statement when our parents were in their prime, are back with a bang. (Of course, it’s an interesting question to ponder over whether it is the early years, which represent the prime of life, or is it in the quiet knowing of the latter part of life!!!) And so is the case with the remaining part of the package – the platforms, the smouldering kajal look, and the embroidered sequins. In fact, everything is fashionable nowadays. The elements of 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s are all re-emerging. Nothing is totally out anymore as long as it signifies personal comfort and of course the grace and attitude to carry it off.

Platform shoes, apart from being a perfect counterpart with the bell-bottoms, or as they term it nowadays, the Boot-Cut Style Pants, are extremely comfortable too. Of course they also come in very handy to add a few inches to the frame. And if you think, only the women use them, you would be surprised to know they are equally popular among the male species of the century. This tendency is of course slightly more pronounced in the case of some bollywood actors who for some unfathomable reason misguidedly believe that they ought to tower over the women to amass popular appeal. Apparently they aren’t too aware of the amazing charisma generated by men like Al Pacino, Christian Slater, Michael J Fox, Robin Williams, Jack Nicholson, Danny de Vito. They obviously don’t need to add inches to their frame in order to add to their popularity.

Well, coming back to the platforms, there are so many types available ranging from the closed platform shoes to the open beach platform sandals, the tie-up types of platforms, and the slip on type. The platform sandals are a great wear with the casual boot-cut look. To throw in with the formal trousers, one would require a slightly closed and formal version of the high-heeled foot-protecting device. These shoes are also available in a wide variety of materials inspired by nature such as wood, cork, bamboo and jute. This footwear not only is comfortable on the feet but gives a cool and chic look too. And the most critical element, which goes into the acquisition of these essential elements of the wardrobe, is the availability. And it is no great news to mention that they are widely and of course cheaply available on the streets of good ol’ Mumbai. And the big and great brands of India such as Liberty and Bata have vigorously re-invented themselves in the recent past to catch up with the Multinationals foraying into the footwear market. Their new range now boasts of a great collection of these very fashionable platforms designed tastefully to appeal to the urban customer. Just walk into one of their newly stocked showrooms to find yourself wondering if by any strange quirk of fate you haven’t walked into the wrong showroom.

Well, being hounded by such bountiful resources of both branded and the unbranded nature for your all-important leg-piece, you wont face too many problems finding that right pair which goes with your favourite pair of flared trousers. So for those of you who don’t own a pair yet, it is definitely time to launch yourself on an interesting platform hunting spree.

Author Sakina K. copyright indianchild.com