So many of this year's microtrends have gripped society like no other. Barbiecore, Mermaidcore, Coastal grandmother, Cottagecore, Quiet Luxury - the list goes on (so much so that we've created our own glossary). In the ever-evolving world of fashion, staying ahead of the trend curve is no small feat.
Yet, in 2023, Marc Jacobs has managed to capture the essence of cool with their platform Kiki Boots, propelling them to the coveted title of the coolest shoes of the year. So we were seriously surprised when we noticed fashionistas wearing this same pair of boots from throughout 2023, that do not fit the bill for any of these categories - a welcome sight for those who've had enough of TikTok's fashion sphere giving every style of dressing its own buzzword.
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The chunky platform sole not only adds height but also exudes an empowering aura. What sets these boots apart is not just their vertiginous design, but also their ability to perfectly encapsulate the rebellious spirit of the grunge era. But they’re not actually new.
The dramatic 'Kiki' platform boots first appeared on the runway during the label's Fall 2016 New York Fashion Week show, when Lady Gaga and Kendall Jenner walked wearing black versions of the buckled shoe. They were then reimagined in 2022 for Marc Jacobs' Heaven brand, where the boots were modelled by Nicki Minaj. Unforgettably, they were also present in its 2022/2023 resort collection, where the campaign featured Kate Moss wearing Kiki's whilst reviving her iconic pink nineties tresses. Since then, the daring footwear has appeared on the agendas of Madonna, Nicola Peltz and Kim Kardashian this year, to name a few.
Social media platforms have been flooded with photos of fashion icons and everyday trendsetters rocking the Platform Kiki Boots in creative and unique ways, further solidifying their status as the must-have footwear of the year. Dua Lipa wears them on holiday, Julia Fox (queen of the weird-girl aesthetic) wears them with frilly all-white. Kendall Jenner rocked them at the Met-Gala, and Nicola Peltz wears them with almost everything.
If there's a pair of platform boots that Nicola Peltz is wearing, you know they're ones to add to your shoe arsenal. The style muse and wife of Brooklyn Beckham has a penchant for elevated (literally) shoes. From Versace to her mother-in-law Victoria Beckham's eponymous clothing line, she wears super chunky footwear on a regular basis. And there've been multiple times she has stepped out in the iconic Kiki.
Although it's taken a minute for them to enter the mainstream - seven years after their debut they have officially reached must-have status.
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Madonna, shared a series of images with her 19 million Instagram followers, oozing goth-glam in a daring, strapless corset, boasting a sweetheart neckline and paired with leather, fingerless opera gloves. She finished the ensemble off with fishnet tights and of course, her Kiki's.
Kim Kardashian also shared images yesterday as the face of Marc Jacobs' Fall 23 campaign. She wore a midi leather tube skirt with a corset, polkadot opera gloves and a pair of white platform pumps almost identical to the Kiki, with white socks underneath. Every It-girl is elevating their shoe game right now with a pair of long white socks - just ask Hailey Bieber.
The widespread appeal of these boots can be attributed to Marc Jacobs' ability to understand the desires of the modern fashion lover. In a world where fashion is a form of self-expression, the Platform Kiki Boots serve as a canvas for individuals to showcase their personality and style.
With their bold design, and universal appeal, these boots have become more than just footwear; they are a statement, a symbol of confidence, and an embodiment of the cool and contemporary spirit of 2023. From ballet flats to frog mules, to the unexpected return of the Kiki's, 2023's shoe game just keeps on surprising us.