To Cliffhang or Not to Cliffhang?
The answer is obvious...
My whole platform was built on cliffhangers because they are funny—funny looking. But no one wants to be seen on the town with them. Well maybe drag queens if it enhances their attempt at comedy or gives them an opportunity to make another self-deprecating joke about being a man dressed in women’s clothes (I’m bored). But what is less attractive than roque toes in a pair of strappy sandals? Not much. Yet bigger brands seem to have had a hard time accepting (or are they sending an indirect signal by not acknowledging) that not all of their female identifying clients have perfect little feet—just like all models don’t have to be 5’10 and anorexic anymore—and more male identifying people are inviting heels into the their wardrobes.
However, there’s always the exception that proves the rule because some brands have embraced the “change” and created all inclusive lines that speak to people on all ends of the spectrum. I have never had the problem since I am between a size 40 and 41, but for all of you enSHOEsiasts who have been dm’ing me about height enhancers in bigger sizes, I finally have three brands that you can shop from.
Founded by Henry Bae and Shaobo Han, Syro is a line that celebrates inclusivity and femme power and as a fellow femme identifying queer all I can say is YAS (like the cat, not the Gaga fanatic). The company releases heels for everyone in sizes up to a 46 EU (14 US) and the designers have created platform heels, stilettos, strappy sandals, snake skin boots and everything in-between. Over the past 5 years, the brand has build a cult following of the who’s who from the NYC downtown scene and is gaining traction outside the US as well. But to “cop” a pair, you have to move fast because these sell like hot cakes (pun intended) so go follow their Instagram to know of the latest “drops…”
We should be happy about one of the exceptions to the rule because, in this, case it is the legendary Manolo Blahnik. While the notoriously legendary shoe designer—famed not only for beautiful shoes but also for being mentioned 16 times in the Sex and the City series—is, indeed, a huge brand, he has welcomed big sizes and releases the styles in up to a 43 EU (12 US). Bravo!
An other legend that is the exception is the world-renowned Jimmy Choo. I don’t think I need to say anything more about this brand—well, no more than the fact that some of their styles are released in sizes up to a 45 EU. How fab is it when the established vanguard keeps up with societal changes and leads to way for other brands.
It’s been a difficult research, which I have not been very successful at because two of these brands are very established and I would have loved to have included brands by young creatives who are really driving the change in our beloved but often dated industry. If you have any leads of where to look or who to look for, please let me know in the comments!
check Adult.Antwerp, belgian based brand that makes heels from size 36 to 46!