There are a few items that have become iconic in the ever-evolving world of fashion. These items may not be for everyone, but they are dear to the hearts of many. One of these iconic items is the Bekett sneaker wedges launched by Isabel Marant. Released in 2012, the sneaker wedges crossed boundaries: they were both athletic and chic due to the hidden wedge, making the shoes a must-have for fashion-forward people seeking style and practicality.

Isabel Marant, a French designer known for her effortless and cool designs, was a part of the fashion industry’s shift in the early 2010s. At the time, casual athleisure was on the rise, and sporty styles were infused with elements of high fashion. Marant’s new and innovative silhouette captured the attention of many celebrities. Stars like the Kardashian clan, Kate Moss and Jessica Alba were spotted wearing the Beketts, cementing their iconic status. On an everyday basis, the sneakers were casually worn with skinny jeans and t-shirts, making them synonymous with the “model-off-duty” look.

One of the most notable features of the sneaker was in Beyoncé’s 2011 “Love on Top” music video. The shoes became so popular that they were sold out everywhere and prospective buyers were put on a six-month wait list. The wedge sneaker as a concept was so new and fresh but was also regarded as unattractive. But to many, that was the appeal. Style director at CBS Watch, Sasha Charnin Morrison, sat down with the New York Times and discussed the Bekett shoe saying, “It was like lightning had hit my head. I was so enamored by this ugliness.” 

But like many trends, the Bekett declined in popularity, and by the mid-2010s the industry started to shift towards minimalistic designs. The sneaker then found itself in the back of the closet as new styles emerged.

Come 2024, and the Bekett sneaker wedges are resurfacing. Once again, the fashion landscape has shifted and is cycling through past trends with a fresh perspective. Streetwear fashion is dominating both on and off the runway. Thus, the Bekett has re-emerged and the comfort and high style they provide is a favorite this fall.

Like many things, social media has played a pivotal role in reviving the popularity of the Bekett. Many influencers have been showcasing creative ways to style the sneaker wedges on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. With popular fashion styles from the 2010s resurging, many content creators have styled the Bekett sneakers with elements that reflect the once-popular indie sleaze aesthetic.

Smudged eyeliner, mixing prints, band tees and mini skirts are staples of indie sleaze. The style takes inspiration from ‘80s and ‘90s grunge and was popularized through brands like American Apparel and “it girls” like Sky Ferreira and Alexa Chung. “They really were just slapping things together and hoping it worked,” Vogue fashion writer, Christian Allaire debated. “There was a sloppiness to the look that I found charming,” he said. 

With the revival of “indie sleaze,” many are itching to get their hands on the Bekett shoe. Retailing at $745, the sneaker wedges are an expensive investment for most young fashion lovers. However, as of September 2024, Converse and Isabel Marant have released a cheaper alternative for those who want to get their hands on the Bekett sneaker wedges.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Marant described the collaboration stating, “It’s very subtle, but I wanted to keep it a bit classic with a timely twist. And of course, the main point was to make a wedge version of the Chuck.” The slight wedge in the high-top shoes and the fuzzy black and white ethically sourced fabric make the shoe a unique investment for buyers.

Isabel Marant’s Bekett sneakers exemplify the cyclical nature of fashion. These days, as subgenres of styles get smaller, those identifying with the indie sleaze aesthetic flock to the wedge sneaker. Furthermore, the shoe is both functional and sustainable—it wouldn’t be a surprise if the wedge sneaker became more popular. The Bekett shoe will continue to inspire a new generation of fashion lovers, proving that some classics will never go out of style.

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Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.