Siren

UPDATE: This post has been updated on May 16, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

I remember falling in love with these Barbara Bui gladiator platforms sometime last year. They were first featured in various fashion editorials, a few weeks later I rediscovered them while flipping through Barbara Bui’s Summer 2008 collection lookbook. Sadly, I never saw them being up for sale somewhere (on- and offline) and I was so dying to get a pair like this. By now there are some pretty good “inspired by“-alternatives out there, so if you like the Barbara Bui platforms, go get your own pair of knockoffs

Barbara Bui Summer 2008 Gladiator Platforms

Black Rooster “Starla” Gladiator Platforms

UPDATE (05/16/2011): More than 2 years later I’ve found yet another Barbara Bui look-a-like by Black Rooster. Available in black, white, tan and gold.

Black Rooster “Starla” Gladiator Platforms
($99, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos.

Chinese Laundry “Bounty” Platforms

Chinese Laundry jumps on the bandwagon of Barbara Bui look-a-likes with their “Bounty” gladiator sandals.

Chinese Laundry “Bounty” Platforms
($124.99, Heels.com)

Dollhouse “Simone” Huarache Platforms

A great alternative for even more less is this Dollhouse knockoff. Score them at around $60 either in black, brown or tan.

Dollhouse “Simone” Platform Hurachi
($62.98, LoveMyShoes.com)

Steven by Steve Madden “TESSAA” Platforms

HOT DEAL: Use promo code “SMSPRING15” to get 15% OFF + Free Shipping on your order of $75 or more! Offer valid until 06/30/12.

Of course Steve Madden could not pass up on coming up with a Barbara Bui inspired version as well. His “TESSAA” gladiators are a little pricey, but still a lot cheaper than the originals.