Kmart’s $8 throwback sparks buzz over pricey designer dupe
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Ah, the '90s—an era of unforgettable trends and bold style choices. Just when those fashion moments seemed behind us, a familiar favourite quietly made a comeback, turning heads again.
Love it or not, its return is sparking plenty of nostalgic chatter. And while some are embracing the throwback, others wonder if this trend should’ve stayed in the past.
For those who remember the original craze, jelly flats were the epitome of cool—a wardrobe staple that paired equally well with sundresses and denim shorts.
But as with all things fashion, what goes around comes around, and these iconic shoes have made a surprising comeback in 2025.
Last year, the fashion world was overtaken when luxury designer brand The Row, helmed by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, released an elevated take on the PVC netted sandal.
The high-end 'Mara' netted jelly sandal became an instant hit, selling out despite its hefty US$890 (A$1,550) price tag.
Not to be outdone, Kmart has stepped into the ring with their version of the jelly flat, and at a mere A$8, it's a steal compared to the original designer.
The budget-friendly Ballet Shoes have been spotted in shades of clear white and fiery red, mirroring the variety offered by The Row.
But the question on everyone's lips is: can an A$8 Kmart hold a candle to a A$1500 designer buy?
Online style watchers have been quick to point out the similarities, and for those of us who love a good bargain, the Kmart dupe is a tempting offer.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the jelly flat's return. Social media has been abuzz with mixed reactions.
Some fashion-forward Aussies have expressed their disdain for the revival of what they consider a fashion faux pas, with comments ranging from memories of blisters to warnings about wearing them without socks in the sun.
Despite the mixed reviews, Kmart's Ballet Shoes have sparked a conversation about the cyclical nature of fashion and the appeal of nostalgia.
It seems that for every naysayer, there's a shopper eagerly embracing the return of their childhood footwear.
This isn't the first time Kmart has brought back a blast from the past.
Last summer, they released an adult version of the PVC fisherman's sandal, another '90s relic, to the delight of many customers.
And it's not just jelly flats making a comeback—jeggings, the lovechild of jeans and leggings, have resurfaced in the fashion scene, proving that the '90s and early 2000s are having a moment again.
So, what's the verdict on Kmart's $8 jelly flats? Whether you're a fan of the trend or not, there's no denying the appeal of a nostalgic piece that won't break the bank.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not walk down memory lane and try them? After all, fashion is all about having fun, and sometimes, that means embracing the quirky trends of previous years.
Are you excited about the return of jelly flats, or are you giving this trend a hard pass? Have you found any other '90s gems on your recent shopping trips? Share your thoughts and most memorable '90s fashion moments in the comments below!
Love it or not, its return is sparking plenty of nostalgic chatter. And while some are embracing the throwback, others wonder if this trend should’ve stayed in the past.
For those who remember the original craze, jelly flats were the epitome of cool—a wardrobe staple that paired equally well with sundresses and denim shorts.
But as with all things fashion, what goes around comes around, and these iconic shoes have made a surprising comeback in 2025.
Last year, the fashion world was overtaken when luxury designer brand The Row, helmed by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, released an elevated take on the PVC netted sandal.
An $8 version of the '90s jelly flat has been released by Kmart Australia, inspired by a $1450 designer shoe. Credit: Kmart
The high-end 'Mara' netted jelly sandal became an instant hit, selling out despite its hefty US$890 (A$1,550) price tag.
Not to be outdone, Kmart has stepped into the ring with their version of the jelly flat, and at a mere A$8, it's a steal compared to the original designer.
The budget-friendly Ballet Shoes have been spotted in shades of clear white and fiery red, mirroring the variety offered by The Row.
But the question on everyone's lips is: can an A$8 Kmart hold a candle to a A$1500 designer buy?
Online style watchers have been quick to point out the similarities, and for those of us who love a good bargain, the Kmart dupe is a tempting offer.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the jelly flat's return. Social media has been abuzz with mixed reactions.
Some fashion-forward Aussies have expressed their disdain for the revival of what they consider a fashion faux pas, with comments ranging from memories of blisters to warnings about wearing them without socks in the sun.
Despite the mixed reviews, Kmart's Ballet Shoes have sparked a conversation about the cyclical nature of fashion and the appeal of nostalgia.
It seems that for every naysayer, there's a shopper eagerly embracing the return of their childhood footwear.
This isn't the first time Kmart has brought back a blast from the past.
Last summer, they released an adult version of the PVC fisherman's sandal, another '90s relic, to the delight of many customers.
And it's not just jelly flats making a comeback—jeggings, the lovechild of jeans and leggings, have resurfaced in the fashion scene, proving that the '90s and early 2000s are having a moment again.
So, what's the verdict on Kmart's $8 jelly flats? Whether you're a fan of the trend or not, there's no denying the appeal of a nostalgic piece that won't break the bank.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not walk down memory lane and try them? After all, fashion is all about having fun, and sometimes, that means embracing the quirky trends of previous years.
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omg yuk
