So, here's the question: can a man ever be a real man if he's wearing heels? For those of you looking for a quick read on a Monday morning, let's make this nice and quick: I'm thinking no.
Although, if you've got a little more time to indulge me, we should credit Lenny Kravitz this, at least he didn't hide his heels when he popped out wearing black wedge-heeled boots recently. We're used to the likes of Tom Cruise and Sarkozy attempting shoulder-to-shoulder action with their other halves/co-stars with a nice hidden-heel in their booties, but Lenny went right out there and made his the feature of this particular outfit.
It wasn't quite the statement it'd have been if he'd worn them up on stage (although we might have written that off as 'costume'), but I'm guessing it wasn't exactly a mistake he went out on this given day wearing, shall we call it, not-the-average-man's choice of footwear.
Will it change the face of men's fashion overnight? If the boyfriend's reaction is anything to go by, I'd say not (you know those YouTube videos of babies sucking lemons? The expression wasn't dissimilar), but then his idea of fashion-forward is buying his Gap T-shirts from this season's collection, and not just plundering the sale rail.
I tried second and third opinions from guys I know who make their paycheque by telling other men what to wear: one said he might consider using them in a photoshoot; neither would consider wearing them themselves.
I'm not actually against boys doing the girls thing; when Brandon Flowers went through his eyeliner phase (circa Hot Fuss promo period) I had my first teenage-style boy crush since Brad Pitt in Thelma & Louise, but boys doing the girls-in-heels thing is a (high) step too far.
Also, while I'm at it: draped tunics suit no one, Lenny, and matching your shoes to your bag hasn't been acceptable since 1984. If you're struggling to gain column inches, I'd suggest getting a new album out quick-smart and not resorting to the Lady GaGa school of thought that suggests you can only win an MTV Award by dressing like a nutcase.
By: Carla Bevan