You Need To Rediscover These '90s Shoe Labels Again
Your high school years might be sartorially rough, but your favourite shoes glowed up. By Michelle Varinata
The peroxide blonde songstress and occasional actress appeared on the red carpet at the Dick Tracy premiere wearing a pair of super chunky platforms. The mastermind behind those shoes was no other than Canadian designer John Fluevog.
Apart from Madge, club icon and singer Lady Miss Kier sported Fluevog's platforms on her music video, "Groove Is In The Heart".
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Oh, the mother of all platform shoes! If you loved what Madonna wore back in the day, then you will absolutely fall in love with these. Long before Miu Miu debuted their baroque-inspired designs, Fluevog created the curved heel with a flare. Dubbed the "Munster", these platforms are look like monster (pun intended) to wear in everyday life, but they're perfectly groovy for those long Mambo Jambo nights at Zouk.
Fluevog Shoes The Mega Munster Original Platform Baroque Heel, CAD $399 at Fluevog Shoes
As the twin sister, the Elektra platforms are the Ashley to the Munster's Mary-Kate. Built with a T-bar tongue, these platforms have a slight mature, yet dressier edge thanks to its gold hardware at the heel and buckle. Style it with high-waisted cropped flare pants, a shrunken bomber jacket, Chanel 2.55, crop top and hoop earrings. For an extra #tbt tribute to the '90s, go big with a wide Bardot-esque headband for that Lady Miss Kier vibe or take it further than the sky with a high ponytail.
Fluevog Shoes Mega Munster Elektra T-Strap Platform Heel, CAD $499 at Fluevog Shoes
Quit the summertime sadness by revving up your wardrobe with these ravishing red sandals. Heavily inspired by Lady Miss Kier, these shoes are set to light up the dance floor. While the colour is not for the shy, the contrast between matte red leather and wallpaper-style print offers a playful touch to your outfit.
Fluevog Shoes Deee Knotted Platform Sandals, CAD $399 at Fluevog Shoes
Although the Royal Wedding already happened, but do any of you ever recall the bizarre rumours of the quintet reuniting to perform for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? We did and apparently, we were bummed that among the gang, only Victoria and David Beckham attended. (Ugh, I know!)
However, if the Spice Girls are to do a reunion tour (for real), it's time to dig up your closet and pray that your mum didn't throw away your beloved platform sneakers.
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As fashion's version of the red pill, the reality of wearing these super tall platform sneakers will leave you wondering whether you made the right decision. Thicker than a human skull, its towering height might makes you think that it's hard to walk in. But, fear not! The silver hue will take your fashion game higher than space.
Rock it at the trendiest rooftop bar with a blazer dress, topknot and a tiny handbag for a super chic post-work look.
Buffalo London x Opening Ceremony High Top, $361.90 at Opening Ceremony
Long before Balenciaga brought out their famous Triple S sneakers, Buffalo's chunky lug soles are reminiscent of the good old days when you blasted Spice Girls from your Walkman. While you got your clean crisp whites ruined by the occasional mud on the grass or rain from walking outside the MRT station, you can get away with some bit of dirt when you wear the beige version of your school-friendly faves.
If you are planning to shop for Ultra, these are the shoes that you MUST buy before you die.
Buffalo Classic Sneakers, $268 at HBX
Look hot and stay cool with basic, but not boring black sneakers. Coated in glossy black leather, these shoes inject a dose of pizzazz whether you wear a sheer tulle skirt or thick cotton jeans. As the footwear counterpart of the LBD, the Little Black Shoes (LBS), are an investment to pass down to your future children. With the a heavenly price tag to boot, there's no doubt that you will pass on the opportunity to max out your credit card again.
Buffalo Black 60 Patent Leather Platform Sneakers, £145 at Browns
A year before Spice Girls formed, All Saints was the Destiny's Child of Britpop. While their level of fame was not on par to the aforementioned quintet, you can probably rememeber the chorus of "Never Ever" at the back of your head.
While their fashion choices weren't that flashy, their signature tiny sunglasses, track pants and black jackets were a classic combo that made the Caterpillar Colorado work boot a street staple outside of the construction site.
Since Kanye West had a brief flirtation with hiking shoes, his latest iteration of the Desert Rat boots from his Yeezy line looks so simliar to Caterpillar's original work boots. If you are bummed about not being able to cop a pair, you can make yourself look like a Yeezy Season 6 campaign star by wearing it with a pair of bike shorts, tight tank top and loose jacket. Despite its status as an "ensemble-y challenged", these work boots are not to be ignored when you need to boost up your sartorial style points.
Since they're waterproof, you don't have to worry about having soggy shoes in the rain ever again.
CAT Ally Waterproof Composite Toe Work Boot, US $150 at CAT
Bye bye, stiff shoes! Caterpillar's soft toe work boots are here to save you from a shoe rut. On the days when you don't feel like wearing your new semi-broken in shoes, you can go for these boots as the supple leather feels supple, yet stable.
Thanks to its dark chocolate hue, you will look like a snack when you pair it with a plaid dress, white socks, clear trench coat, metallic bobby pins, Fendi purse and cat eye sunglasses!
Caterpillar Ellie Soft Toe, US $119 at Zappos
Compared to Buffalo, Skechers had more celebrity clout. From Britney Spears to Kim Kardashian, every "It" girl who graced the campaign was destined for peak superstardom. Although, these ads made us want to fall in love with their girly colour palette, chunky soles and questionable footwear designs. (Does anyone remember the thong sneaker hybrid?)
If you wanted to be part of the "cool girl" squad during your childhood years, having a pair of Skechers was a matter of life or death to finding sartorial enlightenment.
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While the brand's glory days are long gone, their ability to be ahead of today's nostalgia-inspired trends is always spot on. Sporty with a chock of feminine flair, this black and pink colourway sweetens up a sharp black blazer, miniskirt, XL hoop earrings, half-bun, sparkly lip gloss and a crop top.
Skechers D'Lite Centennial, $73.12 at EZBuy
The mother of all ugly shoes is here. Backed with a sneaker sole and a sandal vamp, these D'Lites are not here to mess around. While this particular style screams yoga mom, pair it with an edgy black mani-pedi, jumpsuit (or wrap dress), wide brim hat, layered necklaces, hoop earrings, flat top sunglasses and a cutout Alaia purse for a sharp, yet beachy look.
Skechers D'Lites Inter-webs, US $44.99 at Zappos
The ever so chic Rachel Green knew how to make heads turn. Starting with the namesake iconic layered haircut, the craze to embody Mrs. Ross Geller extended to her closet. Whether it's a girly look (like this white and red plaid miniskirt) or a super casual summer fit (see left), each outfit felt so relatable for everyday wear. Despite some dated trends that she sported, the one thing that nobody could forget was those Big Top platform flip flops.
Celebrity stylist Chloe Bartoli isn't the first to collaborate on '90s revival staples with Rocket Dog. Gwyneth Paltrow's stylist, Elizabeth Saltzman, revamped your favourite platform flip flops with pearls and rainbows last rummer. However, if you prefer to wear dark plaids and stomp around in Dr. Martens like it's 1993, then you'd be pleased with Bartoli's platform plaid combat boots.
Rocket Dog x Chloe Bartoli Rage Boots available at Rocket Dog on June 6, 2018
Faux fur slides were past its peak two summers ago, but don't ignore its super campy appeal. Decked with a glitter saucer-like platform, you can get an instant lift without having to wobble around in stilettos. Vamp it up with a slinky silk slip dress, fuzzy bolero shrug, metallic eyeshadow and dark lipstick.
Rocket Dog x Chloe Bartoli Rocker Slides available at Rocket Dog on June 6, 2018
Rainbow shoes are coming back hard and nothing is more perfect than breaking out your sandals for summer. Make it more city-friendly with a pair of wide legged trackpants, cropped tee, fanny pack, Dior choker, beret and a sleek lob.
Rocket Dog Black BigTop Platform Flip Flops, USD $39.95 at Rocket Dog