The front row at Chemena Kamali’s Chloé debut saw a revival of boho fashion, including controversial wedge heels–a retro-inspired shoe featuring criss-cross leather straps and a substantial wooden platform wedge. Sienna Miller, known for her unwavering commitment to both wedges and all things boho, was among the A-listers wearing the new It-shoe. While wedges may summon up cringe-worthy noughties fashion memories–think: skinny scarves and oversized ornamental belts–there’s evidence from influential dressers that wedges can work.
Take, for example, Paris Hilton–one of the most photographed women of the ’00s–who often gave the cork wedge a youthful Y2K twist. My favorite look of hers has to be when she paired her vertiginous cream open-toe wedges with a white pleated micro skirt, a baby blue cropped zip-up Juicy Couture jacket, a white Dior saddle bag and a white pageboy cap (yikes). Yes, this might sound like a hot mess, but Hilton has a way of making the most outrageous combination of pieces look sweet, sexy and cool.
During Hilton’s party girl heyday, Lindsay Lohan was also often seen wearing wedges with shredded spray-on jeans or hot pants–her Chanel denim shorts with white Dior patent leather wedges were a personal highlight–while Jessica Alba often paired hers with an elegant dress on the red carpet. Towards the late aughts, the Princess of Wales would opt for wedges with floral dresses in the summer months.
Last summer saw a rise in cork wedges worn by Nicola Peltz Beckham and Lily-Rose Depp. While vacationing in Saint-Tropez with her husband, Brooklyn Beckham, Nicola donned a Jane Birkin-inspired ensemble, featuring a white broderie anglaise twin set by Frankies Bikinis, paired with a basket bag and towering gold cork wedges. Lily, on the other hand, opted for a Y2K vibe, sporting a casual pair from Worishofer with a more subtle heel, complemented by a miniskirt and a camisole. Jennifer Lopez is also a fan of wedges, having worn myriad iterations since the ’00s until now (she even loves a wedge sneaker…)
