Towering Infernos
The 6500 block of Hollywood Boulevard is a platform for fantasy footwear. And we do mean “platform.” Clustered along the Walk of Fame is a paradise of emporiums specializing in the extreme, the glitter-rock and the va-va-va-voom, with an emphasis on platforms and vampy high heels. While some custom creations exceed $1,000, others are reasonably priced for those on a shoestring budget.
At Lady Studio and Lala Shoes, we asked a few ultra-vixens why these boots were made for walking.
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Nicole Aramini
Event Manager
Perth, Australia
What are you looking for today?
Any shoes. I love shoes. I like brightly colored shoes.
Why are you trying this pair?
To match a ridiculous outfit I’ve made. I have a complete obsession with baby pink. I also have a little bit of a thing about buckles.
What shoe would you create?
A thigh-high, glitter-covered boot, maybe baby pink with a black glitter skull and crossbones. To match a dress, of course.
Do these shoes change your personality?
Not much. I frighten people. A lot.
What fantasy character are you in these shoes?
Defender of the Innocent. Kicking some horrible male’s butt, looking out for women everywhere.
Should prospective first ladies wear these on the campaign trail?
It would get a whole lot more fun, and America is already fun. In America, the first lady has taken a backseat role since Hillary Clinton. Now that Bill Clinton’s not around, it’s a very backseat role.
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Dina Landaverde
Civil Engineer
Woodside
What are you looking for today?
Two of my best friends are getting married, one in September and one in October.
Are platforms really right for a wedding?
I’m not sure, but they have a lot of shoes in here.
What shoe style have you never understood?
I’m very open-minded, but those shoes over there, the canvas tennis shoes with high heels, I don’t get it.
What message does it send to wear this sort of shoe?
Maybe someone who is very, um, adventuresome. I don’t like to get that much attention.
Who is the ultimate high-heel role model?
Lately I’ve been watching “Sex and the City,” and Sarah Jessica Parker is something of a shoe role model.
Should prospective first ladies wear these on the campaign trail?
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the governor. Nothing would surprise me, the way things are right now.
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Nataleen Mojica
Student
Whittier
What are you looking for?
Exotic shoes for fun. These shoes make my legs look longer and they make my feet look sexy.
Wildest pair you own now?
Some that have straps with gems on them and little gems hanging off.
What shoe style have you never understood?
The kind with zebra print or tiger print. That’s too pimp-looking.
Why are these shoes sold on Hollywood Boulevard?
It’s funky and crazy and weird. You can’t have stores like this over where I live because people will go, “What is this all about? Get out of here.”
Who is the ultimate high-heel role model?
Pamela Anderson. The shoes represent exotic dancers, and Pamela Anderson has a pole in her room. She’s a dancer.
Should prospective first ladies wear these on the campaign trail?
Bush’s wife should think about it but not do it. If she wears them for Bush behind closed doors, that’s OK, but don’t bring it out to the world.
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Tina Payne-Artiglio
Housewife
San Gabriel Valley
What are you looking for today?
Tan shoes that will go with some fun pants that I can wear out to dinner. I’ve been coming here since the ‘80s.
Wildest pair you own now?
Probably my red seven-inch-heel shoes. Next would be these black boots that go to the top of my legs. You only wear shorts with them. They were a gift from my husband.
Typical customer here?
Everyone. People are dressing more casual at work. Also the clubber who wears crazy stuff in the evenings.
If these shoes could talk, what would they be saying?
“We want to be worn more.” I have so many I can’t wear them all. I have more than 70 pairs, just in heels.
Who are you in these shoes?
Wow Woman. With these shoes, when I walk in, they go, “Wow.”
Even the license plate on my little Mercedes is, “WOW.”
Who is the ultimate platform-stiletto role model?
Now you’ve got Beyonce, but in the past it was Pee-wee Herman.
