vp-banner-advertise-with-us
Now Reading
Marc Jacobs Brings Back Kiki!

Marc Jacobs Brings Back Kiki!

Just like Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill, something very familiar is coming back in style. From Nicki Minaj to Winona Ryder, and now the new Marc Jacobs show, it looks like Kiki (the boots) are finally back in fashion.


Every iconic figure has its beginnings. Let’s go back to the genesis of these iconic boots and see how far they’ve come.


The Origin of Kiki

For his Fall 2016 show, Marc Jacobs presented a goth-inspired collection in collaboration with artist Stephen Tashjian. It had capes, furs and feathers, all executed in wildly beautiful and voluminous proportions. The collection also had a surprise model on the catwalk—pop legend and fashion icon Lady Gaga. Her special appearance was the talk of the season at the time. But what also intrigued many were those towering platform boots that the models wore on the runway. They were the ‘Kiki’ boots.

Sources: Twitter

Jacobs would soon bring back the Kiki boots for his Spring 2017 show. Though for this one, he explored the aesthetic of the boots more instead of sticking to the dark and somber palette from last season. With some still staying the same with its original strapped form, Jacobs and returning collaborator Julie Verhoeven impeccably embroidered and studded the boots this season. Alongside these fresher takes, the designer also presented new variants on the catwalk. Opened-toe renditions were made in lush patent leather—a great pairing with the bold coats, jackets and sweaters from the show. And also, Jacobs introduced Kiki’s little, or rather, shorter sister—the Lili boots.

Sources: Twitter


The It Shoe

Just like it bags, designers strive to create footwear that’ll be talked about every season—though few succeed. One notable example was Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 Armadillo and Alien shoes from his final show, Plato’s Atlantis. Iconically worn by Lady Gaga for the music video of Bad Romance, these shoes are one of fashion’s most sought after creations even until now. And another one was the recent rave for the Versace Medusa Aevitas pumps from the Italian house’s Fall 2021 collection—that cost a whopping ₱84K.

Sources: Twitter & Versace

Jacobs achieved this kind of feat with his Kiki boots until the stated Spring 2017 show. But even though he did not present more variations the succeeding seasons at the time, people were quick to popularize these modern icons on the High Fashion parts of different social media platforms. From Twitter to Tumblr, these boots were everywhere.

Fashion archivists and vintage sellers were also pivotal for the high demands of the Kiki boots during its absence. One of the leading fans of these popular boots is Johnny Valencia of Pechuga Vintage.

Throughout the years, the Salvadoran-born entrepreneur has gained a fine reputation for finding the best and rarest pieces in fashion. Whether it’s Gucci by Tom Ford, or 90’s Vivienne Westwood (who he’s obsessed with)—you name it, he has it! So of course he’s got to have the famed Kiki boots. Well, indeed he has, and quite an ample amount of it too.

Valencia has been sharing his abundant supply of Kiki and Lili boots from his archive to many of today’s stars. Because of his generosity, as well as his constant hype for the boots, I think everyone can agree that he’s one of the influential figures for its resurgence.


Back In Style

With more celebrities wearing the Kiki boots, either in photoshoots or public places, there was a strong feeling that these iconic pieces might make a fashion comeback. And that it certainly did.

Sources: Twitter

Last March, Jacobs released the Spring 2022 campaign for his polysexual line ‘Heaven’. It starred Sky Ferreira, Yung Lean, Paloma Elsesser and many more, all photographed by Harley Weir. But arguably the biggest star of the ad was the ‘Queen of Rap’, Nicki Minaj—wearing, you guessed it, the Kiki boots! The iconic fashion piece has finally begun its revival. And also, the boots, upon the release of Minaj’s campaign, sold out in less than two hours!

See Also

Not soon after, just early this month, Jacobs presented his “J Marc” shoulder bag campaign, shot by returning photographer Harley Weir. The face of the ad was one of the designer’s most beloved muses and friends, Winona Ryder, looking like an edgy vixen and wearing—oh yes!—the Kiki boots.

Sources: Twitter


A Dramatic Return

For the latest Fall 2022 show of his eponymous brand, Jacobs revolved its conception and creation around a Nietzsche quote.

We have art not to die of the truth.

Staging the presentation at the New York Public Library, just like the previous season, the designer marked the return of his Kiki boots in white and black. Matched with Jacobs’ signature silhouettes and color palette, as well as his knack for drama, it was a joyous moment to finally see the re-emergence of his iconic creations with this level of fashion excellence.

Sources: Marc Jacobs


Just like history, fashion also repeats itself, whether we like it or not. But in this case, the comeback of Marc Jacobs’ Kiki boots are more than welcome to stay.

View Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll To Top