Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Endorse the F*ck it Flat
If anyone can make commuter shoes + formalwear a fashion 'thing,' it's them.
Last night, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen graced the red carpet for the CFDA Awards, where they took home the top honor for Womenswear Designer of the Year. But it's not their win or their acceptance speech we can't stop talking about, it's their shoes—and the fact that they were flat (and kind of like commuter shoes?). The girls have always had an impressive knack for influencing the industry, so I can't help but think that their basic ballet flats and loafers (worn at a black tie event, no less) might be a declaration of something, and the beginning of a larger trend. Here, I've gathered evidence that proves the girls have been moving towards the red carpet flat for the past 10 years, subtly shrinking in heel height until we arrive at last night's "fuck it flats." (My words, not theirs.) Watch as they cut inches off their shoes and make me wonder if basic flats at formal events are about to become a thing, the way that gym sneakers have a been fashion favorite for the past few years. (If anyone can make it happen, it's them, right?)
1
Hellin Kay
4/29/2004
So, here we are in 2004 where we love a luxury label and 120 mm (4.7 inch) heel.
2Hellin Kay
3/2/2010
In 2010, we start experimenting with a thicker heel, still high but physically more comfortable than a stiletto. Remember those Balenciaga boots, seen here on Ashley? Horse-hooves essentially but shoe-wise, bulletproof.
3
Hellin Kay
11/2/2010
MK is rocking a Vuitton runway shoe, which has a fun pearl detail but is still fairly thick-heeled. Ashley is in a classic Manolo Blahnik heel and look at that, coordinating embellishments. Sweet.
4Hellin Kay
3/24/2011
Okay, first let's talk about how good these looks are! Now, lets get to the shoes. The heel height is waning, we're heading on a downward slope towards 100mm (4 inches).
5Hellin Kay
4/21/2011
Ashley is now wishing she had on MK's block heel, which is sensibility at its most stylish.
6Hellin Kay
5/31/2011
MK does it again. Clearly, Ashley is the one that needs to be worn down. MK is wearing a Fendi sandal and Ashley is still holding strong to a Blahnik pump, but wait for it...
7Hellin Kay
6/6/2011
Now here we are in 2011, with both girls in a solid 100mm heel. Ashley is in a fancy mule and MK is in a minimalist sandal.
8Hellin Kay
9/8/2011
When Ashley finds something she likes, she really sticks to it. Here she is in another mid-height heel while MK has returned to the boot.
9Hellin Kay
9/5/2013
Ah, the first kitten heel red carpet appearance. MK is really pushing it now.
10Hellin Kay
6/2/2014
Ashley's a convert! She rocks a kitten heel while she lets her sister strap into a super sexy Louboutin. Don't worry, we will all get there soon.
11Hellin Kay
11/6/2014
MK now back to the kitten heel and Ashley embracing the stacked block boot. Here they are finally both in full comfort mode.
12Hellin Kay
3/16/2015
Double kitten heel time! As Drizzy says, "Just hold on, we're going home."
13Hellin Kay
6/1/2015
And here we are, a full 10 years later and we are full on wearing flats on the carpet. No way this is a coincidence.
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