The saying ‘what goes around comes around’ could not be more accurate in the case of fashion as we welcome back the kitten heel to the forefront of our shelves. But will we be welcoming them back to the fore of our wardrobes?
I have never been a fan of the kitten heel and have always considered them the ugly step-sister of the heel family. Despite being a tall 5’9”, nothing makes me feel instantly more confident than slipping in to my highest pair of Kurt Geiger’s. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the stunted kitten heel. On a recent shopping trip I found myself staring horror in the face when I staggered upon the most unsightly pair of pale pink ‘kittens’. However, when challenged by friends to face my fear and slip one shoe on, I accepted... and instantly regretted it; I felt more ‘middle-aged’ than ‘million dollars’.
Considering I have a long list of heel-related injuries (killer heels did not get their name for nothing) the kitten heel would seem a sensible option for me to adopt. Yet the very purpose of a heel is to lengthen legs and define calves and the kitten heel fails on both counts; far from purrfect. Despite my aversion, the 5cm heel has always had a following of fans ever since its first appearance in the 1950s. Audrey Hepburn can be noted as the heels greatest ambassador and Michelle Obama has made the kitten heel a staple feature of her look today. Moreover, with designers such as Marni, Betty Jackson, and Missoni welcoming the heel back to the catwalk this season, it seems that like it or not, we will be seeing more of the smaller heel around.
So, the question is: will you be reviving the heel of the 50’s this winter, or staying loyal to your 5 inch favourites? I know what I’ll be doing.
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