#30: Platform Shoes

In the heart of the ’70s, platform shoes weren’t just footwear; they were the ultimate symbol of party culture. Initially, gaining traction in the 1930s through the ’50s in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, their true explosion in popularity struck in the ’60s through ’80s. Retailers ranging from Thom McAn to Payless Shoe Store priced them around $20, with their value skyrocketing today to $50-$100. This was more than a trend; it was a cultural phenomenon.

Platform shoes transcended mere fashion to become a statement in the disco era, embraced avidly by women in their late teens and twenties. Magazines like Seventeen played a pivotal role in their advertisement, cementing their place in nightlife culture. These shoes, known for their dazzling additions of glitter and lights, were not limited by gender boundaries. Icons like David Bowie and David Johansen showcased the gender-neutral appeal of platforms, bringing them to the stage and into the spotlight.