Since our favorite fashionista Carrie Bradshaw’s return to the silver screen, we can’t seem to get enough of those gladiator platforms she strutted across 5th Ave. in the spring. First, the little gladiator flats were every where, but now that the summer days have gone away, and the chilly autumn is upon us, the gladiator platforms have made their brilliant debut on the runway and in our own closets.
The sleek profile, which politely contours the lines of those sexy insteps, is irrestistable. While the platform is the most popular style, they also come in various other cute designs. Some are a strappy sandal, like those from Steve Madden; some are tasteful ankle boots, like those from Jimmy Choo; and some are a buckle stiletto, like those from BCBGirls.
The Dior Extreme Gladiator Platform was the first to don its sexy profile, worn by Ms. Bradshaw, but the sophisticated stiletto has caught the eye of other designers, too. Even Mr. Blahnik confessed, “I’ve gone absolutely mad for warriors this season.” Manolo Blahnik’s 2008 collection features an ankle boot, with that sexy instep, that has “armor straight from the suits of the crusaders.”
Women warriors stand at every corner this season. With Hillary’s 18 million cracks in that glass ceiling, Palin and her rhetorical banter, and Michelle Obama’s intelligence and eloquence, is it any wonder that we desire a shoe that will match the image of our inner strength and beauty?
Maybe the Manolo’s and the Dior’s are a little out of range. Not everyone can be the woman who racked up so much credit card debt she had to live in her shoes. Target’s Mossimo offers the Paulina Gladiator Sandals, Bebe offers the Amy Gladiator Bootie, and Charlotte Russe offers the Ruched Bootie Pumps. So when you step out on that street, in front of your coworkers, or when you’re out with your friends, these gladiator platforms will make you feel like the woman warrior that you are.
