Clear heels
Clear heels (also referred to as stripper shoes[1]) are high-heeled footwear made from a transparent material.
Heels sometimes contain novelties such as flashing lights, coloured liquid or even fish. Materials used to create the heel design include polycarbonate, PVC, lucite and acrylic resin.[2][3] The transparency may be used deceptively with a ballerina style to give the appearance of standing on tiptoe or en pointe.[4]
A more romantic style resembling Cinderella's glass slipper has been designed for social events such as the prom but generally designs are more provocative with very high heels.[3][5][6][7]
Popular brands include Pleaser and Luscious.[6] In 2009, New York Magazine indicated that the style was "on trend" for the Spring 2010 shows, notably in Milan at Dsquared2, Prada,[8] and Fendi.[9][10] The association between clear heels and erotic performers and pornography has led to criticism of celebrities for wearing the trend in public.[11] In an interview, actress and singer Taylor Momsen noted that she liked performing in a pair that had a slot for tips, "fans started putting money in them, so now they are filled with tons of bills".[12][13]
Notable wearers
- Carmen Miranda[14]
- Beyoncé[15]
- John Fuqua[16]
- Prince[17]
- Taylor Momsen[9]
- Helen Mirren[1]
- Disco Stu
- Courtney Stodden
- Kim Kardashian
References
- Sowray, Bibby (July 12, 2013). "Helen Mirren reveals red carpet secret weapon: stripper shoes". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- Walter E. Cohn (1969), "The Transparent Shoe", Modern footwear materials & processes: a topical guide to footwear technology, Fairchild Publications,
Transparent heels offer unusual styling opportunities.
- Vinylite Gives Class To Shoes, page 10, Tri City Herald, March 12, 1956.
- Ellen Shear, "Sexy Shoes For The Bedroom", The Insider, archived from the original on May 3, 2010, retrieved November 7, 2010
- "The Princess style reigns this year", Fort Wayne News Sentinel, April 16, 2004
- Noor-Jehan Yoro Badat (June 19, 2009), "Can you bear the trend for killer heels?", Independent Online
- Bambi Haggins, Laughing mad
- Bowles, Hamish (September 25, 2009). "Milan Spring 2010: The Definitive Look at Prada". Vogue.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
- Amy Odell (June 28, 2010), "Taylor Momsen Wore Clear Heels With Room for Cash Tips", New York Fashion
- Clear Heels Storm the Milan Runways, New York Magazine.
- Stop This Trend: Lucite Stripper Heels à la Taylor Momsen, Beyoncé and Shauna Sand E Online Fashion Police.
- "Who Wore It???". Cocoperez.com. June 28, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
- "Taylor Momsen talks about her stripper shoes". Osoblog.tv. August 26, 2010. Archived from the original on December 26, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
- "Museu Carmen Miranda - The Miranda Look: Platform Shoes". Google arts & culture.
- "Guess Whose Pink Painted Piggies Are Peeking Out Platform Pumps!". Bossip.com. July 6, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
- "Fuqua relives 'Immaculate Reception'", The Detroit News, January 20, 2006,
John Frenchy Fuqua was a flamboyant personality in his day. He wore outrageous clothes, high-heeled shoes with goldfish in the clear heels
- "Prince, at peace, is still funky", The Sun, August 14, 2004,
...the star himself appeared in a stylish camel-colored jacket, white pants and white boots with high, clear heels.