Vintage fashion is having a moment, and it's not just about the bags. While archival It-bags have reached the mainstream, vintage shoes are still often overlooked. But that's changing, thanks to the likes of Bella Hadid, who was spotted at Cannes '24 wearing a pair of highly sought-after pink Prada kitten heels. In 2025, Vestiaire Collective reported that searches for vintage heels had gone up 37 per cent year on year, citing Dior, Gucci and Prada as the three most popular brands to buy pre-loved. Since then, we've witnessed the Chanel-ification of the fashion conversation, with Matthieu Blazy's debut show in Paris receiving rapturous reviews and his designs going down a storm with customers. This has had a knock-on effect for vintage shoppers, with British Vogue's senior commerce writer Alice Cary currently trawling for a colourful vintage heel 'inspired by Matthieu Blazy's cult Chanel styles' for the summer.
Then there's the Love Story effect. The Disney+ show introduced a new generation to the eternally aspirational wardrobe of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and anyone seeking to emulate her '90s style could do worse than to start with a scroll of eBay or Vestiaire Collective. Resale sites have a wealth of pre-loved black Manolo Blahnik pumps to choose from.
So, what are the best vintage heels to invest in now? Chanel pumps are a sensible and sustainable alternative to the latest collections, and Prada kitten heels are a must-have, especially the suede eyelet kitten heels from the early Noughties, as previously worn by Hadid. Gucci monogram slingbacks are also a worthwhile investment, as the brand's collaboration with Alessandro Michele for the 'Hacker Project' may hold some clues of what to expect in future seasons. Dior logo heels are another good choice, as logomania is on its way back at the brand.
Céline ballerina heels are highly coveted on the vintage market, and Vivienne Westwood Ghillie platforms are a must-have for any vintage collector. A classic Manolo Blahnik heel is always in style, and more so than ever in the wake of the latest revival of CBK style. So, whether you're a fashion enthusiast or just looking for a unique and affordable addition to your wardrobe, vintage heels are definitely worth considering.
