I don’t know how they do it, but Yves Saint Laurent makes some of the most iconic shoes I’ve ever seen. Especially their “Tribute” collection is a hit among celebrities, fashion connoisseurs and normal people like you and me.

I’ve loved the Tribute platform sandals from the first moment I saw them, but never got the chance to go for the real deal or snap up one of the various knockoffs back then when they were considered the “It” shoe of the year. My favorite Tribute sandal was a purple version with gold trimming, but the black patent version is of course much more practical.

YSL Tribute Platform Sandals
($760, SOLD OUT)

P.S.: NET-A-PORTER is currently selling a purple suede and an anthracite satin version.

Celebrities Love YSL

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Steve Madden T-Bar Platform Sandals

UPDATE (12/04/2009): Woohoo! You lucky gals. ASOS is now selling the Steve Madden sandals at the amazing price of £32 (~$54.39) in their online outlet store. That is 60% OFF the original retail price! I bought these babies full price six months ago there and they look absolutely fantastic in person. So worth the price.

YSL lovers, today’s your lucky day! These Steve Madden platform sandals have completely sold out everywhere else, but ASOS has still a few of these fabtastic heels in limited sizes available. Be quick to order because this is the final sale and probably also your last chance for a great YSL Tribute knockoff of such great quality. I love mine so much! They are absolutely amazing looking for knockoffs and while £80 were certainly not cheap, I haven’t put a second thought whether or not to buy them and ordered straight away after they added my size. My tip: if your feet are slightly wider than average I suggest you go at least half a size up so your toes won’t get squished.

Steve Madden Patent T-Bar Platforms
(£32, ASOS)

Anne Michelle Cobalt Blue T-Strap Platform Sandals

UPDATE (12/04/2009): If you need a really cheap YSL Tribute alternative with a bit of color on them, Anne Michelle has a good one for $22.99 in cobalt blue faux suede with golden piping.

Anne Michelle Cobalt Blue T-Strap Platform Sandals
(22.99, Amazon)

Delicious Strappy T-Strap Platform Sandals

UPDATE (12/04/2009): If you prefer a more neutral color for your shoes, try these super cheap YSL knockoffs by Delicious. Not the greatest quality, but you can’t beat that price. Also available in white patent and a beautiful patent lilac color.

Delicious Strappy T-Strap Platform Sandals
(21.99, Amazon)

Guess Trivan T-Strap Platform Sandals

HOT DEAL: Use secret coupon code TWITR at checkout to receive 15% OFF your order!

There have been countless YSL Tribute sandal knockoffs, but only a handful of them were actually decent looking. These YSL look-a-likes by Guess are one of the best knockoffs which are still being sold. So if you haven’t got the chance to grab a knockoff back then, you can now catch up on this!

Guess Trivan T-Strap Platform Sandals
($79.19, Heels.com)

Gianni Bini Uptown Platform Sandals

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, you’ll probably be happy with these Gianni Bini platforms. They are currently on sale for half the price being marked down from $98 to $49.99 and come in black or tan (my favorite!). But hurry, sizes are limited.

Gianni Bini Uptown Platform Sandals
($49.99, Dillard’s)

Deb T-strap Platform Sandals

UPDATE (08/12/2009): Found another budget-friendly YSL Tribute sandals knockoff.

If you have a really tight shopping budget, but still crave the YSLs, get these platform sandals by Deb which are currently on sale for affordable $15.

Deb T-strap Platform Sandals
($15, Deb)

Yves Saint Laurent will be always one of my favorite high fashion labels. They belong to fashion much like the Eiffel Towel belongs to Paris. Where would be without this everlasting French house of delicate fashion? In 100 years from now on most designers which are being hyped right now will be long forgotten, but I’m sure YSL will be considered iconic for its cultural and aesthetic influence in our era. And rightfully so. Evidence A: see below.

Yves Saint Laurent Imperiale Platform Pumps
($795, NORDSTROM)

Celebrities Love Yves Saint Laurent

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Dolce Vita “April” Platform Pumps

If you want the same style without breaking the bank, try these suede platforms by Dolce Vita which are dead ringers for the YSL Imperiale pumps. Not exactly a steal at ~$160, but still a whole lotta cheaper than the original Yves Saint Laurent heels. Also available in taupe suede and navy leather.

Dolce Vita “April” Platform Pumps
($159.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Heels.com, Shoes.com, Shopbop, Free People and Bloomingdale’s.