Cage match
When cage heels appeared on the runways in fall 2008, they took off, launching a now-ubiquitous style that doesn’t show any signs of going away soon. With strong, sexy lines, the cage does for the foot what a bandage dress does for the body, and the newest generation adds interest with more cutouts, pastel colors and peep toes.
“Cage heels represent a return to modernist architectural lines, which, positioned in the right way, make a shoe incredibly sexy,” says Faryl Robin Morse, founder and creative director of Farylrobin Footwear. Those bold straps and grid-like patterns that encase the top and sides of the foot are intensely graphic, a perfect fit for the woman who wants to channel her inner dominatrix.
It’s best to wear these heels with a solid or simple outfit because any time you put them on, the look is all about the shoes. A sharp fitted blazer or sleek pencil skirt can play off the angular shapes in the cages, but stay away from prints because the straps, holes and grids on a cage heel already create a “print” of their own.
Keep in mind that ankle-length boots such as the cage booties from Yves Saint Laurent are more flattering than a solid ankle boot might be, because the negative space from the cutouts allows the leg and foot to be seen, creating a longer, leaner look.
The trend has had time to trickle down from the catwalk to the contemporary market, making room for affordable options and variations that are kicking some serious sex appeal into summer.
Jimmy Choo and Giuseppe Zanotti are doing gladiator-cage hybrids. The peep-toe ankle boots have sliced leather cutouts that climb up the foot, creating a sleek-warrior look.
Jeffrey Campbell, Pour La Victoire and Pelle Moda have chunkier versions of the cage heel, with larger graphic cutout shapes covering the entire foot.
If the idea of a “cage” leaves you feeling claustrophobic, try something more strappy. Brian Atwood and Faryl Robin have sky-high stilettos that combine several thick straps but don’t encase the foot as much as a bootie.
And if even looking at all those straps makes your sensitive feet hurt, consider suede shoes such as Jimmy Choo’s. A soft, brushed version will soothe, even as it makes a statement that’s undeniably bold.
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