The Best Bet

Photo: Danny Kim

Notwithstanding another hit of treacherous, ankle-breaking ice, heavyweight platform shoes will soon be omnipresent on our sidewalks (a spring trend documented here). But Valentino designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccuoli have a more romantic vision of what towering footwear should be. Their ladylike, ankle-strapped two-tone suede heels ($745 at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave., at 58th St.; 212-753-7300) are one of several pairs from the label that emphasize lightness over clunk.

The Best Bet