manager_1 After making their debut in the market in the 60s and 1970s, platform boots have maintained a certain cult status. They were worn by Kiss, David Bowie and many other stars of rock in decades past. The rise of the “gothcore” trend, which is a subset Gen Z’s favourite Y2K trend, has contributed to the revival of this boot style. The younger generation has adopted this post-punk fashion aesthetic. They are constantly looking to reinvent trends to suit their needs. A platform is usually three centimetres in height and can be added to any shoe as an accent piece that adds a little bit of grunge. Some of the trends are extreme with flashy embellishments and high heights, while others have a more subtle approach. The platform is simply added to give an edge to a plain black ankle boot.
It’s why you’ll love it:
The return of the platform boot to the forefront of fashion has been driven by many factors. Most notably, young shoppers are driving the trend. The popularity of the platform boot can be partly attributed to its appearance on prominent Gen Z celebrities such as Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa. These women are the leaders of the Y2K fashion trend and have a huge impact on young, fashion-conscious consumers who want to be more individualistic in their wardrobe. This platform is an alternative to the traditional ankle boot. It’s still practical and wearable, but it allows for more freedom with the style of footwear. This look is also popular year after year, appearing in Dr Marten-esque streetwear and as a high-fashion trend shoe.
We’ve seen it everywhere:
Rick Owens may have brought the platform boot back to the forefront last year. He made it a major part of his SS22 runway with Chelsea boot remakes as well as strappy, thigh-high strappy designs. Chunky boots will be a popular trend for the next season. This style was a key part of Balmain’s AW22 runway. The soles were high and gave a new meaning to the platform. The ankle boots were kept simple in style and colour, but the platform was bold and unusual. Gucci’s retro-chic AW22 collection was a hit thanks to its unexpected partnership with Adidas. The fashion house showcased a pair of quirky ankle boots with buckle details and lines. Although the silhouette and shape were reminiscent of 70’s boot styles, the boots had a high platform that was highlighted by reflective material. This was an apparent nod to the glamrock fashion movement. Altuzarra took a similar approach and presented a simple ankle boot style next to platform sandals. This further demonstrated the brand’s dedication to the elevated style.
How to style it
The chunky style is a great contrast to tailored and formal looks. It’s a casual alternative to other types of footwear. The platform boot trend is best suited for a matching co-ord suit. This allows the style to work both in formal and informal settings. This boot silhouette is also well-suited for flowing skirts made of satin or other lightweight materials. For a versatile look, pair the boots with an oversized sweater. You can add a little grunge to your chunky knits in the winter months by pairing them with a pair of jeans and a jumper combination. If you are looking for full-on grunge, an all-black outfit is your best option. For a monochromatic look, pair the platforms with dark skinny jeans with an oversized jacket.
Another nostalgic-driven style, the platform boot has been regaining popularity as one of the most coveted shoe trends this season. Because of its connection to fashion trends and its place in pop culture, the platform boot is a popular choice for younger shoppers.
