Fetish Footwear—Not since Secretary have we seen such an unabashed abundance of S&M-inspired accessories. The sturdy skyscrapers are the perfect counterpoint to this fall’s weightless pieces. Fashionistas came out in droves during New York’s fashion week. Did every editor get the memo that only heels bordering on weapons were allowed in the tents?

After season upon season of by-the-numbers stilettos, and a brief respite from the old routine with a couple seasons of flats, the edgy bondage heels are a welcome relief. Not only are they more of-the-moment, they usher in a stronger moment for women.

Studs, straps, spikes, dagger-like heels, black, patent leather, buckles, we’ll take it all.

One of the best – and most obvious – iterations was from Rodarte’s Fall/Winter 2008 collections. They repeated the look with a twist for their Spring/Summer 2009 show earlier this month with much success. Both shoes, designed by the Mulleavy sisters and produced by Christian Louboutin (f/w 08) and Nicholas Kirkwood (s/s 09) are truly inspired and totally delicious. Can’t you just imagine pairing them with a hot little dress and going out to a fabulous party?

As with all good fashion, the trend is bigger than the mere look of the shoe. Women are capable of much more than sitting on the sidelines or daintily tip-toeing from the cab to the plush carpet. The heels race past the four-inch mark, for sure, but the platform and the chunkier heel make them that much easier to run around the city all day.

And if any passersby get cheeky, you’ll have a threat on hand.

Burberry, $695. Neiman Marcus.

Christian Louboutin, $895. Neiman Marcus.

Manolo Blahnik, $785. Neiman Marcus.

Gucci, $995. Neiman Marcus.

Prada, $620. Neiman Marcus.

Christian Dior, $780. Neiman Marcus.

Christian Louboutin, $835. Net-a-porter.

Emanuel Ungaro, $1,055. Net-a-Porter.

Jimmy Choo, $750. Net-a-Porter.

Rodarte, from left: F/W 08, F/W 08, S/S 09.

I love this look -- what do you think?