Despite the fact that platforms seem to get higher and higher with each passing fashion season, I didn’t quite expect a maker of such commercially palatable shoes like Yves Saint Laurent to be the first huge name to go whole-hog on the hippie platform and actually get the shoe all the way through to retail. That seemed like more of a Marc Jacobs design pursuit to me, but hey, what do I know?

YSL has gained a major following of heel lovers since it introduced the Tribute sandal several season back, and ever since, the brand has been right up there with Christian Louboutin as a source for traditionally attractive, creatively sexy shoes. The Yves Saint Laurent Woodstock Platform Sandals, on the other hand, are more of a niche idea – a clunky heel in brown leather isn’t going to appeal to the same customer as a sexy pair of leopard Tribtoos.

Considering the somewhat 60s vibe of Fall 2010′s Palais pumps, I guess this particular pair shouldn’t surprise me as much as it does. But still, what YSL tends to do so well with its footwear is take the prevailing trend of the moment and make it into something that most women would love to have on their feet (if only I could walk in most of the brand’s shoes). This design seems just a bit too literal, although the rest of the collection that’s available for pre-order so far takes a more nuanced stance on the late 60s. Buy through Saks for $950.

No related posts.