DEPARTURES STYLE FANCY FOOTWORK Defying With a dizzying array of heights, styles and comfort levels, the heel is back – bolder, brighter and more beautiful than ever. by Avril Groom Gravity ONE OF THE JOYS OF FASHION is its lack of rationale – it moves best in unexpected directions. An example of this parallel universe came during the last lockdown. While most worked from home in slippers, sneakers or Birkie-soled slides, TV chat shows were full of A-listers, whatever their age or shape, wearing very high, slim, set-back heels on dangerously strappy styles. “So what?” you might say. Celebrities’ limo lives need no practical considerations. But luxe shoe brands say that sales of heels held up well through the pandemic, 120 m m Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps after slowing in the first lockdown, and then bounded ahead anywhere the restrictions lightened, from China to Florida. Designers fulfilled these fantasies when the world stood still, and are continuing into a new autumn season where what we want from footwear has undergone a shift, and many of us are back on the move. Despite the lure of voguish “ugly” flats, they cannot match the lift that a tall heel brings to both spirits and legs. “High heels make you feel empowered and elegant. You walk differently in them, and after recent times, everyone needs a little difference in their lives.” This is the succinct comment of Manolo Blahnik, maestro of heels that are not necessarily the 105mm Vittorio elaphe stilettos by Jennifer Chamandi 44
