Marching to the high-heeled beat

Up, up and away they go. Designer footwear appears to be channeling the cityscape with numerous, bold high heels seemingly in step with the soaring gridwork of bridges and tunnels, some taking their cue from the aerodynamic elements of modern skyscrapers.

At the spring-summer 2009 showing, Prada was notorious for the tripping models, some searching for that elusive thing called balance while teetering on their platforms. Some just gave up the ghost and walked barefoot, Miuccia’s footwear cradled in their hands.

Equal parts sharp and high, while others were bold and chunky, fashion’s tastemakers have made their statement: With the economy going down the drain, they want their customers to reach for the stars — or, at least, a bank draft large enough to cover the hefty price tags these high-steppers are known for.  — Bea Ledesma