An Ode to Platforms
By Iman Behbehani
Photography by Iman Behbehani & Arjun Clare
“Are those your snow boots?” my dad asked as I loaded a pair of 3 inch white platform boots into the trunk. I weighed my options. “Yes.”
I think it’s safe to say that those boots (modeled by Miracle Tapia) changed the course of my life. Call me dramatic. Do it. You’d be correct. But an extra few inches and a bold shoe really improved my confidence.
As someone who is not very height-ially inclined, my first thought would be to wear heels. But the comfort! But the occasion! They’re just not practical. That’s where platforms come in. They’re more supportive. They’re more casual. And can pack on a LOT of height. Plus, they can handle the snow and rain. Durable.
I stood out where I grew up. Too much hair, too much body, too slow, too loud, too awkward. But now… too cute. I suddenly stood out in a good way. On a small campus like ours, it can be very rewarding to stylistically differ. People recognize you. People compliment you. Middlebury students can be really kind and supportive in that way.
I later bought 5 inch pink platform slippers (modeled by me below!). I would go from 5’0 to 5’5. Short to above average. That will quite literally change your whole perspective. People would ask to try them on at parties for the quick boost. They were really a community experience.
They were initially for my Bratz doll halloween costume, and became a closet favorite. I quickly realized, however, that they were not for walking. But if I wanted to wear them on a night out, I needed to be prepared. So… I hatched a plan.
I got a tote bag. In the tote bag? The shoes and a massage ball. On my feet? A pair of sneakers. I’d bike across campus, tote bag dangling on the handlebars, and change my shoes when I got to my destination, taking a massage ball break every once in a while (Outfit changes are really the move in Vermont. Why freeze in heels and a dress when you can hop in the bathroom for 3 minutes instead?).
Platforms taught me I could tell people things about my mood and personality with my clothes. Hoops and chains for when I’m feeling tough. A tennis skirt for when I feel feminine and athletic. Giant six inch platform slippers for when I feel sleepy (in a cute way).
Here are some pros and cons specific to the slippers.
PROS:
Cute!
Soft
Make me very tall
Comfort manageable
Statement making
Great conversation starter
My favorite color (pink)
CONS:
Not very comfortable
Hard to walk long distances in
Hard to dance in
I have no clue how to clean the fuzzy part
Said fuzzy part was recently stained
My good friend Danelle recently bought some platforms too (modeled by her below). Danelle is an international student from Kazakhstan with these amazing black leather chunky heeled shoes. “A lot of girls in post Soviet countries or Kazakhstan in particular are expected to maintain a certain image of a timid personality with very little room for self expression,” she said. “The shoes make it so everyone can see me.”
In my experience as a woman, it can often feel like you are invisible, yet take up too much space at the same time. Fashion can be a tool to take up that space and stand out. To be not only noticeable, but loud. To demand that attention and make it beautiful. The pressure to make yourself small and quiet is powerful, but makes it all the more meaningful to be yourself.