Controversial acrylic heels conquer space and become a trend

In recent years, acrylic heels, also known as “Pleaser shoes” (a term in English that refers to a person who dedicates themselves to satisfying the desires or fantasies of another, focusing on pleasing the client or partner), has left the stage of American nightclubs and reached the most prestigious fashion events. In 2024, the trend was crowned by Kim Kardashian, who revealed her bold choice by showing off clear acrylic platforms under her Maison Margiela dress at the Met Gala. Far from being the first to adopt the model, Kardashian follows in the footsteps of Lady Gaga, who in 2016 also modeled her acrylic heel boots at the same event, consolidating the footwear as a style statement.

A heel that combines fashion and functionality

Other celebrities, such as Doja Cat and Camila Cabello, also adopted the style, reaffirming the power of transparent heels on red carpets and fashion shows. Originally designed for dancers, acrylic heels are now seen in high fashion looks, defying initial stigma and becoming a symbol of a sexy and powerful aesthetic.

Kim Kardashian was one of the celebrities to adopt acrylic heels (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@kimkardashian)

Katy Perry also adopted the new trend (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@katyperry)

Maya Massafera is one of the national names who is also using the controversial jump (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@mayamassafera)

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In addition to being visually striking, acrylic heels offer a unique combination of form and function that make them perfect for high-intensity performances and events. Singers like Lady Gaga, known for exhaustive choreography, opt for this model for the stability and height it offers. Renowned brands, such as Simone Rocha, put their personal touch on the style, with “edge” and reimagined versions, reinforcing the footwear's contemporary appeal.

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_{Shoes designed by Simone Rocha for Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring/Summer 2024 Haute Couture show, as part of Paris Fashion Week, France (Photo: reproduction/Victor Virgile/Getty Images Embed)}

Thus, what was previously considered exclusive to alternative stages gained a permanent place in the wardrobes of public figures and became part of pop culture. In Brazil, acrylic heels also gained notable followers. Gkay and Maya Massafera bet on the trend, reinforcing its popularity at national and international fashion events.

From taboo to global trend

The popularization of acrylic heels, however, arouses mixed feelings among those who know the history of the shoe and its roots in the adult entertainment industry. Celebrities have turned the shoe into a worldwide phenomenon, but this visibility can create distance from the model's original meaning and function. It seems that acrylic heels will continue to be on the rise in the coming seasons, being reinterpreted by different designers and remaining a symbol of bold and empowered style.

Featured photo: A competitor performs during the 2017 Pacific Pole Championships, in Los Angeles, California (Reproduction/Mark Ralston/Getty Images Embed)