Chunky Platform Heels Are Back on Trend and It's the Y2K Throwback We Didn't Know We Needed

If there’s one thing to know about trends, is that they always circle back at some point to be the next generation's new obsession. These days, our sights are set on the resurgence of all things from the early aughts, when the likes of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton were the It girls and what they wore pretty much determined what was hot or not.

Fast forward to 2022, the Y2K style is popular among those in the Gen Z group, where it’s almost impossible not to come across a noughties getup on our Tiktok FYPs. Blame it on the nostalgia—although you have to admit, velour tracksuits, mini skirts, crop tops, and, of course, a towering pair of platform heels are incredibly cute pieces that we'll never totally move on from.

The Return of Platform Heels

While platforms aren't anything new in the shoe department, as of late, we’ve been seeing a slew of Y2K-inspired designs from luxury brands that are reminiscent of what a Bratz doll would wear. We’re talking bold colors and chunky silhouettes that instantly draw attention to what can only be described as the pièce de résistance to an outfit!  

The past decade put a spotlight on pointy-toed pumps, sneakers, and even Birkenstocks as the go-to footwear of It girls and celebs. But if this season's runway shows—including Valentino, Versace, and Marc Jacobs—are any indication, then we're happy to announce the return of platform heels!

Below, we list down some stylish designer options to include in your wardrobe rotation:

SHOP: Designer Platform Heels Inspired by the Y2K Trend

1. Versace Medusa Pumps

One platform shoe that’s surely been on your radar is the Versace Medusa Pumps. A literal cultural reset, these babies are characterized by their double-layered platform at the front of the shoe that gives the wearer twice the height while still maintaining a comfy feel. It also comes with a thick block heel so you don’t have to worry about teetering in stilettos while sporting these. The shoe also features a thin bejeweled ankle strap with a dainty charm of Versace’s insignia—almost like a golden stamp of approval from the Italian fashion house. You can also choose from among eight colorways ranging from bright hues like neon yellow and fuchsia to more subdued tones like rose pink and black.

Medusa Pumps, P84,000, VERSACE

2. Bottega Venetta Tower Patent Platform Pumps

Another towering pair of platforms are the patent pumps from Bottega Venetta. Similar to the Versace heels, these have a block heel and thick platforms that will surely add height to your step, albeit without the layered details. Besides its vibrant color in shiny patent leather, another eye-catching characteristic these heels have is their square-toed tip akin to ballet pointe shoes. 

Tower Patent Platform Pumps, P70,204.80, BOTTEGA VENETTA

3. Gucci Women’s GG Platform

The Gucci Women’s GG Platforms are the perfect heels if you want a playful twist to your beach looks. While originally designed as an ode to the ’70s, these platforms fit the bill of early 2000s style thanks to its chunky sole and heel, together with Gucci’s colorful motif all across the woven raffia fabric. 

Women’s GG Platform Sandals, $1,050 (approx. P59,057.78), GUCCI

4. The Attico Leather Platform Heels

The Attico is an Italian brand defined by its classic pieces with a playful twist to them. Case in point: their head-turning Leather Platform heels! What we love about this pair other than its sleek silhouette are the strappy details at the front together with thin straps that can be wrapped up the calf for extra support. 

Leather Platform Heels, price unavailable, The Attic

Local Celebrities Wearing Platform Heels

Curious how to style a pair of platforms? Several local celebs have been spotted hopping on the Y2K trend and rocking their own sky-high pair!

1. Kylie Verzosa

While Kylie Verzosa has always been a stylish celeb, the beauty-queen-turned-actress is quickly gaining more traction thanks to all her Y2K aesthetic looks that she shares on Instagram. One look of hers that sent the internet abuzz was none other than her Mean Girls-inspired OOTD, which featured a pair of chunky pink platforms!

2. Liza Soberano

Liza Soberano showed off her duality in two contrasting looks that both featured platform heels! Her first ensemble was an all-black number comprised of a long-sleeved top, mini skirt, and the Versace Medusa platforms. Her second look was the exact opposite of the first as she sports a lilac frock with cutouts at the side for that subtle hubadera touch. She finished off her OOTD with a pair of white stockings and matching platform heels.

3. Anne Curtis

Anne Curtis channeled her inner Bratz Doll in a fiery hubadera frock that’s completely open at the sides styled together with The Attico white platforms heels for one of her concert comeback looks. 

4. Heart Evangelista

For her recent Paris Couture Week appearances, Heart teamed most of her looks with towering platform heels. There's her floral hubadera OOTD for the Elie Saab show and the modern terno mini dress by Cheetah Rivera that's inspired by the late Sen. Miriam Santiago. For both looks, Heart opted a chunky pair of footwear that added extra inches to her height in the most stylish way possible.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

5. Belle Mariano

Not only did Belle make a case for the platform heels' fashionable comeback in this all-pink OOTD, she also totally nailed the Barbiecore trend!

6. Bea Alonzo

To elevate her black leather number for the Century Superbods event, Bea Alonzo opted for a pair of tall black platform heels as her footwear of choice.

Preview is now on Quento!  Click here to download the app  for iOS and Android and enjoy more articles and videos from Preview and your favorite websites!

Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!