But today, as more and more people demand their goods, how can the Manolos, Jimmy Choos and Vivienne Westwoods of the world still get away with charging women thousands of dollars for their shoes?
The answer is simple: women love their shoes, no matter how ridiculous the shoe fashion becomes this particular season.
Take one of the leading shoe trends for Autumn 2006: the platform. Chunky heels are once again all the rage, but they owe more to 1980s decadence than to the Swinging Sixties.
The recent return to the skinny jeans and leggings of the Bananarama age has prompted a comeback for the heavy platform and the stacked heel. And stacked platforms are much more versatile today than in 1970s - platforms may also be worn with a bell-shaped dress or skirt, so there's hope yet.
Also on the footwear catwalk this fall are ankle length "booties".
Once again hailing back to the 1980s, booties vary slightly in length, from below the ankle to just above the ankle. Often available with side-zips and buttons, the bootie will also be worn with leggings this season, as well as skirts, jeans or slim trousers. Though many designs are available, the most popular has so far proved to be Steve Madden's black suede model with a brown wooden heel.
Animal print footwear has also been gracing the catwalks and fashion magazines with its presence this season. Bring out the Cruella De Vil in you (animal-friendly, of course) by donning stylish zebra, leopard or Dalmatian-print platforms, worn with black tights and a pencil skirt. Top fashion gurus have even okayed the right to mix animal patterns together by assembling them with plainer accessories, so fashion slaves may feel free to go completely wild.
The prevalence of patent leather once again harks back to that vampish, 1980s feel; worn with a belted sweater and a skirt, patent leather boots can bestow a classy day-to-evening appearance, and if layered with a polo neck, will provide a more mod-ish look.
Last but not least, the fall 2006 season would amount to nothing if it did not include the high boot. Though booties may currently be stealing the limelight, high boots will always provide a sophisticated air that few other items of footwear are capable of; wear with a patterned coat, or a mini skirt and a cropped jacket to achieve maximum effect.
Clearly, this fall's fashionable footwear is both trendy and functional, whether worn with the season favourite (leggings) or not. But rest assured, you won't need Carrie's contacts or Charlotte's money to obtain them: most high street retailers, like Aldo and Nine West, sell similar models for much lower prices.
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