By Janelle Okwodu

Sarah Jessica Parker’s wardrobe has long served as a source of fashion inspiration, and even amid a global pandemic, Parker continues to set trends. Other celebrities may still be walking around in Birkenstocks, Prada combat boots, and deliberately ugly sneakers, but Parker has already moved on. Yesterday in Manhattan, the actor turned entrepreneur stepped out in her version of the summer shoe, a block heel Mary Jane from her eponymous line. Dubbed the Celine, it features the unapologetically pretty combination of crystal-embellished buckle and grosgrain ribbon. Worn with a floral dress and a black lace mask, her decorative heels were a welcome throwback to the days of Carrie Bradshaw and her walk-in closet.

After years of playing a Manolo addict onscreen and designing the shoes of her dreams, Parker is attuned to the desires of high heel enthusiasts. The last few months have offered few opportunities for dressing up, so it only makes sense that the footwear vibe has been about utility and ease of wear until now. If Parker is anything to go by though, then a high heel revival may be upon us. And she’s not alone. The likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (who wore Bottega Veneta’s strappy stilettos on her ‘About Face’ Quibi series last week),and Jennifer Lopez (who paired a Valentino baby doll dress with sky-high PVC sandals days earlier) have been opting for glamour over practicality, too.

Only time will tell if the rest of the world will follow suit. Either way, Parker’s commitment to the look is admirable. When she popped into her brand’s New York flagship, she spent her afternoon helping customers find chic summer heels of their own.