Height, stability *and* comfort. The YSL Tributes (here) defy the Impossible Trinity. Adding a total of 136mm of height and +10 style points to any outfit, the YSL tributes will elevate your outfit whilst keeping you comfortable.
Read on to find some of my favourite YSL picks, and why these shoes defy the laws of trends.
LEVEL UP
A 105 mm heel is enough to make anyone shudder. As you take your next step, it’s always a risk: will I fall? It’s like *l-i-t-e-r-al-l-y* walking on egg shells: a 50% chance you will stay upright. BUT YSL’s Tribute Heels have the perfect antidote to this truly first world problem. A sneaky platform provides unshakable stability. You can be 99% sure that you won’t fall.
… Height, stability *and* comfort. The YSL Tributes truly defy the Impossible Trinity.
Why 105? The 105 refers to the 105mm heel height. However, the “true” height (depending on which way you look at it) is 136mm. The 31mm platform adds a cheeky 3cm to the height, but without the increased instability… precisely because it’s a platform. So, you’ll in fact be 13.6cm taller!
STYLISH STRAPS
The iconic intertwining straps add a signature stamp to these striking stiletto sandals. Conceived by Francesco Russo under the creative directorship of Stefano Pilati in 2004, the shoes’ signature design transcends time. Joining YSL in 2000, Russo then launched his own brand, Francesco Russo, in September 2013. From Kim K to Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez to Victoria Beckham, the YSL Tributes have graced the Hollywood stars.
Starting from £705, opt for the black patent heels (here) for a staple and versatile Saturday night shoe. Choose white if you’re planning a “dance til dawn” holiday. For a truly striking look, the Tribute crocodile-embossed leather sandals (here), at £755, are the way forward.
BABY TRIBUTES
If a 105mm heel still scares you, YSL have a smaller, Tribute 75: a (still tall) 75mm heel! I’d say that these feel chunkier, due to the lower heel, whilst the 105mm elongates your leg more. This is despite the platform on both shoes; the super tall heel detracts attention away from the true chunkiness of the shoe. This means that you can add enormous height, without people really realising.
The tributes fit true to size. The platform and clasp closure make the heels super comfy; your foot won’t slip and slide about.
Also starting at £705, the Tribute 75 shoes are perfect for summer soirees (here). For a truly striking look, check out the ostrich-embossed leather heels at £755 (here).
DEFYING THE LAWS OF TRENDS
A hot hit in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the Tributes could be seen everywhere. They’re still around today, although less in the “trend-frenzy” way. However, they could be said to defy the laws of trends. As mentioned above, they add height, are stable, and are comfortable. I’m yet to find a shoe that adds this much height and is this comfortable. If you have any suggestions, let me know and I’d love to try. These 3 ingredients mean that the shoe continues to be the chosen choice for glam nights out, and can still be seen gracing the Mayfair dance floors.
THE SANDALS ARE SCANDALOUS! : THE LAW BEHIND THE SHOE
The Tributes have been in a few legal cases, here’s some interesting ones to highlight
- The Kananda Platform Shoe (2017)
- Steve Madden was accused of copying YSL’s tribute shoe through the Kananda platform shoe
- Result: Madden discontinued the Kananda platform shoe. This dispute was resolved as arbitration rather than through court
- The Sicilian “Scandal” (2018-2019)
- Steve Madden’s Silcillian Sandal had an extremely similar toe belt section to the YSL flat tributes and YSL sandals.
- YSL “not only refers to brand protection for his high-heel model, but also for a YSL “tribute” product presentation with flat shoes.” (Legal Patent, 2018)
- “Steve Madden argues that the primary meaning of a product presentation is to identify the origin of the product and not the product itself. Therefore, Yves Saint Laurent cannot, in any event, rely on the “tribute” product presentation in the sense of distinctiveness and possible patent infringement.” (Legal Patent, 2018)
- Verdict: Judge dismissed YSL’s infringement claim. “Steve Madden’s “Sicily” flat sandal is simply too different from YSL’s patent-protected high heel Tribute to give rise to patent infringement” (The Fashion Law, 2019)
IF YOU LIKE THE TRIBUTES, YOU’LL LOVE…
- – Platform High Heel = Tribute criss-cross leather sandals (from £490) here
- – Platform High Heel + 85 mm Heel = Tribute Heeled Mules (from £565) here
- – Platform High Heel + 105mm Stiletto Heel = Tribute Sandals (£630) here
- – Platform High Heel + Super 650mm Platform + Thick 850mm Heel = Tribute Platform Sandals (£755) here
Which Tributes are your favourites? Have you also danced the night away in these iconic yet comfortable Saturday night shoe staples? Let me know!
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
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