When Helen Mirren, Dame and actress celebrated her 80th birthday, she let her shoes do the talking. The 5‑foot‑4‑inch star told reporters that the Sole Bliss platform sandals are her "hidden weapon" on red carpets, giving her a six‑inch lift while keeping her feet pain‑free.
The British brand first caught Mirren’s eye after a stint hunting for height‑boosting shoes in Hollywood‑stripper stores, but today the label is a staple at events like the Cannes Film FestivalCannes, France and the Berlinale International Film FestivalBerlin, Germany.
The Platform Phenomenon
Since 2017, when Lisa Kay founded Sole Bliss, the company has chased a single promise: stylish footwear that actually feels good. The lineup addresses bunions, flat feet, and even Plantar Fasciitis, yet maintains runway‑ready silhouettes. By Mirren’s count, she’s slipped into the brand’s platforms roughly thirty times in public, including three straight years on the Cannes carpet.
Industry analysts say that shift toward comfort is no fad. A 2023 survey of Hollywood stylists found that 68% now prioritize ergonomics over height alone, a jump from 42% just five years earlier. The data line up with Mirren’s own experience – she can stand for hours at a gala without the “numb feet” feeling many celebrities complain about.
Sole Bliss: From Stripper Stores to Royal Approval
Before the brand’s breakout moment, Mirren reportedly scoured Los Angeles’ Hollywood Boulevard for "stripper‑store" platforms that could give her the boost she needed. Those early forays turned into a partnership that now reads like a Who’s Who of British royalty and television.
- Queen Camilla – The Queen Consort wears Sole Bliss heels to public engagements across the United Kingdom and swears by the brand’s trainers for off‑duty strolls.
- Mary Berry – The beloved baker owns four pairs, including the "Drama: White Leather" trainers she debuted at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in July 2023.
- Joanna Lumley, Twiggy and Prue Leith – All have been spotted in the brand’s signature wide‑fit styles.
- Oprah Winfrey – The media mogul praised the shoes for their "incredible cushioning" during a 2022 interview.
Even the British press can’t stop quoting Mirren’s line about “enormous platform pleasers” – a phrase that’s now synonymous with the brand’s marketing copy.
Red‑Carpet Appearances: Numbers that Matter
Here’s a quick snapshot of the most‑talked‑about moments:
- March 2022 – Mirren wore the "Star: White & Gold Leather" trainers (retail £189, made in Italy) at the 73rd Berlinale.
- May 2023 – She stepped onto the Cannes red carpet in a glitter‑finished Sole Bliss platform, adding six inches to her stature.
- July 2023 – Mary Berry’s "Drama" trainers stole the show at Hampton Court.
- April 2024 – Queen Camilla paired the brand’s high‑heel with a navy coat for the Royal Ascot ceremony.
Each appearance has been documented by fashion photographers, and the brand’s website now logs over 120,000 global orders, with a 92% satisfaction rating according to a 2024 consumer poll.
Expert Take: Comfort Meets Couture
Dr. Elaine Turner, a podiatrist based in London, says platform shoes can be a double‑edged sword. "If the arch is well‑supported and the heel isn’t too narrow, you get the lift without the joint strain," she explains. "Sole Bliss gets the engineering right – they use memory‑foam insoles and a reinforced toe box, which is crucial for anyone dealing with bunions."
Fashion historian Ben Ritchie adds, "What we’re seeing is a democratization of red‑carpet aesthetics. No longer is height a privilege of custom orthotics; it’s a marketable accessory. Mirren’s endorsement signals that comfort is now a status symbol."
What’s Next for Celebrity Footwear?
Looking ahead, the brand plans to launch a limited‑edition line co‑designed with Mirren herself, slated for release ahead of the 2025 Cannes festival. Early teasers show a blend of metallic leather and breathable knit – a nod to Mirren’s classic style mixed with modern performance tech.
Meanwhile, other houses are catching on. A recent partnership between a major luxury label and a sports‑tech firm promises “air‑cushioned stilettos” for the next generation of award‑show glitz.
Key Facts
- Founder: Lisa Kay (2017)
- Price range: £180‑£210
- Materials: Italian leather, memory‑foam footbed
- Return policy: 40‑day free return with prepaid USPS label
- Celebrity roster: Helen Mirren, Queen Camilla, Mary Berry, Joanna Lumley, Twiggy, Prue Leith, Oprah Winfrey
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Sole Bliss platforms help people with foot conditions?
The shoes feature a wide toe box, cushioned memory‑foam insole and a low, stable heel drop, which relieves pressure on bunions and reduces strain for those with Plantar Fasciitis. Dr. Turner notes that the design distributes weight more evenly than traditional stilettos.
Why is Helen Mirren’s endorsement significant for the brand?
Mirren’s 80th‑birthday spotlight put the brand in global headlines, and her claim that the shoes are a "hidden weapon" validates the comfort‑luxury blend for an audience that values both style and practicality.
Where can shoppers buy Sole Bliss shoes and get fast delivery?
Orders placed before 11 p.m. EST ship the next business day via FedEx, typically arriving in two days in the U.S. International customers receive a tracking number and can benefit from the 40‑day free‑return policy.
What upcoming collaboration is planned between Helen Mirren and Sole Bliss?
A limited‑edition collection, co‑designed by Mirren, is expected to launch before the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, featuring metallic leather overlays and breathable knit fabrics aimed at high‑profile events.