Before coming to Buenos Aires, I’d never seen a pair of platforms in person.
But porteñas, the women of this port city, love their platforms and wear them in every imaginable style. Black leather with studs. Tan suede with fringe and wooden soles. White pleather with rubber tire-treaded soles (my personal favorite, naturally).
At first, I was baffled. To my foreign eyes, these shoes looked so cumbersome. But after walking the streets for a few days, I realized that maybe platforms are actually practical: The sturdy heels add not only height but also distance from the filth that is any city sidewalk.
I became so intrigued by them — and so determined to find palatable pairs — that I offered to write a Buenos Aires street style article for The Bubble. I pitched a Spice Girls-themed listicle to my editor, and he approved the ridiculous concept.
Asking for an expert
That weekend, I set out to Palermo Soho armed with my camera and a rehearsed speech. I approached strangers, told them I loved their look and asked to take their photo for a fashion article. It was horrifying. But by some miracle, all of the women understood my yanqui-strong Spanish and said yes to being photographed. What’s more, they worked it. The moment I focused my camera on them, they flicked back their hair and fell into character — instantly Chic Spice.
In the name of research and general curiosity, I bought my own pair and have worn the shoes a grand total of one time. Whenever I considered putting them on, I opted instead for booties or sneakers or slippers or, evidently, any shoe other than my big ol’ plataformas. Oops. Lesson learned? I’m no porteña and I really can’t fake it. But on a good Saturday, they’ll let me showcase just how stylish they are.
