Fashion statements at six inches

Forget skyscrapers, the super-skyscraper is here to stay, as the Prada model who crashed off her six-inch heels proved recently.

For shoe-lovers, it's no longer just about the name on the insole or that trademark red bottom; heel height has become the latest status symbol.

Bag yourself this season's six-and-a-half-inch Louis Vuitton sculptural wedges and you'll get serious shoe kudos — even if you do break your ankle just trying to stand upright.

“Women are buying heels as if they are an addiction,'' says shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood, whose own collection includes five-and-a-half-inch heels for £400 (Dh2,338).

“There is the urge to outdo not just what is already in their own closets but also their friends' and any female who crosses their path.''

Building up

This look is something that has been building for the past few seasons.

Now every designer in the shoe hall of fame — from Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin to Nicholas Kirkwood and Ferragamo — has sought to go higher.

And the new superheels come in all shapes and heel styles: wedges live to see another season, the carved heel makes its reappearance at Miu Miu (above), tartan makes a comeback and fetishist versions from Balenciaga, etro and Nicholas Kirkwood tie in with the new look.

The Christian Louboutin for Todd Lynn stilettos even come with a ponytail trailing off while Gareth Pugh's “invisible heels'' are an incredible feat in modern engineering.

I took some Charlotte olympia leopardprint shoes with a bizarre floating platform and a five-inch heel for a spin.

That my knees buckled and ankles caved inwards after two steps didn't deter me a bit — this season's shoes aren't made for walking.