Are Stilettos on the Way Out?
by Dana Robinson November 17th, 2011 at 10:20 AM
An IBM computer-based analysis of billions of social media posts revealed that the sky-high heel trend may be on the decline.
The analysis used special analytics software and algorithms to determine that women may just be, well, a bit tired of the high and mighty heel. This information completely contradicts the shoe trend that’s been up and running for the last 100 years: bad economy=high heels.
During bad economic times, high heels like these blue suede Christian Louboutins are always in style. But if you can't get your hands on these, check out a look-a-like pair from Jessica Simpson.
Sky-high Jimmy Choos. Fabulous. Yes. Comfortable. No.
High heels and platforms were the look of choice during the Great Depression, with the look coming back into prominence during the 1970s oil crisis. And since we haven’t exactly returned to the everything-is-just-fine mentality of the pre-recession days, logic dictates that high heels should still be in power.
“Usually, in an economic downturn, heels go up and stay up—as consumers turn to more flamboyant fashions as a means of fantasy and escape,” says Dr. Trevor Davis, a consumer products expert with IBM Global Business Services. “This time, something different is happening—perhaps a mood of long-term austerity is evolving among consumers sparking a desire to reduce ostentation in everyday settings.”
Safe and sane ballet flats from Banana Republic.
Classic black flats from the GAP.
Whether stilettos continue their dominance over women’s shoes, or if the era of safe and sane flats and kitten heels are on the horizon, the ShoesTV team thinks it’s safe to say that there’s definitely some sort of shift in the air. Keep checking back with us to stay up-to-date on how the times are a changin'.
Photo Courtesy: Christian Louboutin/Jimmy Choo/Banana Republic/GAP