Maria Cornejo Outfits Models in Flats as Protest Against Patriarchy

2009 has been the year of the model tumble (from Prada during Spring 09 presentations to the three falls on the catwalk at Hérvé Leger Fall 09 this past week); fashion show falls have been sprouting up as a direct result of fashion's trend towards sky-high heels. For designer Maria Cornejo, this meant a perfect opportunity to make a statement, which is exactly what she did with footwear for her Fall 09 fashion show for Fashion Week. At the collection presentation, which included "roomy plaid coats, hooded sweaters, leather accents, and skinny pants," according to New York's The Cut. And Cornejo opted to outfit her models in low wedges, or flats.

Considering the latter is basically unheard of on a runway, the move was without a doubt a statement. Of the six-inch-plus high-heel trend, Cornejo said: “It’s boys dressing women. I’m sorry—they don’t have to wear the fucking shoes. It’s quite abusive. Because, you know what? We have to run around and walk, and nobody has a chauffeur waiting for them outside. And it really pisses me off and makes me really angry because it’s that boys thing about making women into victims. You know, it’s not nice.” Who knew flats could carry such a powerful feminist message? And at Fashion Week no less.