Platforms, Platforms, OMG Platforms!!!

As I was scrolling around some different art related websites, an article on The Aphrodite Project really caught my attention. If you have never heard of the project basically they design platform heels that include alarms, and LCD screen and even GPS devices, the shoes are intended for prostitutes and strippers. The creator of this project, Norene Leddy, named it after the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. The platforms come with imagery and sounds relating to the theme of Aphrodite. The unique and unmistakable design of these shoes as well as the over all concept are truly genius. Leddy describes her mission for the heels by saying,

"The shoes address creativity and art-making as well as practical issues of design and marketability. It is my hope that in addition to creating beautifully crafted objects, the project will contribute to the current international debate over the regulation, decriminalization, and legalization of prostitution."

The design aspect of this product may reach a small market but the ideas behind the product reach a limitless market. Although these shoes are intended for prostitutes, the idea behind the shoes seems to have created a huge buzz on the art scene. The thought of technology, safety, and style all coming together is how the concept is being discussed all over the design world. The layout of the buttons and screens allows for a flawless look and feel to the platform that doesn't protrude and does not add more weight and deformity to the shoe. The Platforms hold a familiar yet futuristic and trendy feeling due to the high tech technology used and the familiarity comes from the fact that these are shoes every woman and most men have seen or wore before. I think that these shoes are definitely adding to the safety to prostitutes and they speak a lot about where new media art is heading. Not only are the platforms pieces of beautiful art, the work of art itself has become useful, trendy, and technology savvy. I think that concept is a very important part of design and being a graphic designer myself I know how the concept can make or break a design. And as far as shoes go I love all kinds of shoes and these are the only ones that I have seen that can do anything remotely this awesome!

~ B ~