HEELS

Vintage heels are a huge trend right now, with styles from the late 90s and early 2000s (Y2K era) being particularly popular, often incorporating a playful yet glamorous aesthetic. Key styles making a comeback include the sleek pointed-toe pumps, often with a slender stiletto or a very low kitten heel, a silhouette famously associated with Carrie Bradshaw and designers like Manolo Blahnik, Salvatore Ferragamo and Christian Dior during John Galliano's tenure. Strappy sandals and mules are also prominent, featuring delicate or bold straps, sometimes with transparent PVC details or vibrant colours. For a bolder look, chunky platform heels and platform flip-flops are back, often with square or round toes and a focus on statement hardware like heart buckles or chains. Designer brands from that era like Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Jimmy Choo are highly sought after, known for their distinct logomania, unique hardware (like the Gucci Horsebit or intricate embellishments), and dramatic silhouettes that blend retro charm with a touch of modern sophistication. You can find a range of vintage-inspired and authentic vintage designer options in these trending styles.

Vintage heels from the 1990s were primarily defined by a dichotomy of styles: on one end, you had minimalist, slender kitten heels and simple, strappy sandals with square or pointed toes. On the other end, a major trend was the exaggerated, chunky platform heel, often seen in Mary Jane styles or slip-on slides, made popular by brands like Steve Madden with their iconic "Slinky" platform. The early 2000s, or Y2K era, continued the love for platforms but introduced a more playful, often blinged-out aesthetic with strappy sandals featuring rhinestones, colourful patent leather, and wedge styles, sometimes in vibrant or metallic finishes.

Today, the influence of both the 90s and 2000s is everywhere, as many of these vintage styles have made significant comebacks and are current popular brands and styles today. The square toe, once a polarizing 90s element, is a contemporary staple seen in collections from luxury houses like Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs and everyday retailers alike. The chunky platform trend is also firmly back in fashion, offering height and comfort, with brands reinventing the look in various textures like crocodile print. Kitten heels remain a sophisticated, versatile option, while Y2K-inspired strappy sandals and platform flip-flops are popular for summer fashion.