Platform shoes, like many other garments, have been passed down from generation to generation, undergoing small modifications but maintaining their essence. If we want to talk about their beginnings, we have to go back to Ancient Greece: where the custom of putting platforms on the protagonists of theatrical plays was standardised.
This was revived in Europe in the Middle Ages under the name of pattens, thick-soled boot covers that prevented them from walking through the wet streets due to the rain and dirt of the time. A little later, in Venice, shoes with platforms of up to 50 cm (a real craze!) became popular and were called chopines. During this period, platforms were a symbol of power.
Almost at the same time, this footwear developed in Asia, first with the creation of the Japanese geta (traditional wooden flip-flop) and later with the appearance of the okobo (a very thick platform, also made of wood) that protected young geisha girls from the dirt of the asphalt.
Fast forward to the 20th century, to 1937, when Roger Vivier designed his first platform sandal for one of Elsa Schiaparelli's collections. The shoes could be seen on some of the feet of Hollywood's most famous figures and this sparked a furore among the wealthy women of Beverly Hills. Capitalising on this popularity, Ferragamo made a rainbow platform that was very well received.
In the 1950s, with a more sober and elegant fashion trend, platforms suffered a decline. During this period, the stilettos were the triumph because of the glamour and sophistication that they denoted. This all changed in the 1970s.
In the 1970s there was a great interest in the 1930s and 1940s, which encouraged the return of platforms. Also something that helped a lot was the culture that rejected stilettos and their discomfort when walking, as opposed to stilettos.
Then came the glam rock decade when flashy outfits and excessive ornamentation reigned supreme. Here all kinds of combinations were produced when it came to designing platforms, from materials such as silver leather to stars or lightning bolts for these shoes. We all remember stars like Elton John or David Bowie with their big platform boots.
In the 1980s, platforms were once again in decline, but thanks to designer Vivienne Westwood, by the end of the decade they were making a comeback in style. The style shift also coincided with the Spice Girl fever and the Buffalo boots worn by some of the Spice Girls.
Today they are still on trend and many argue that it is due to the influence of the 2000s and Bratz dolls. With more or less height, design or ornamentation: as you can see, platforms have been around for many years and it seems that they will continue to be so. We love this type of footwear, you can find models like the IGNIS SIENNA or the IGNIS ASHA, among others ;)
