Chanel’s barely-there footwear has been spotted for the first time.
The sandals that divided opinion earlier this year made their red-carpet debut on actor Margaret Qualley.
Back in April Chanel’s creative director Matthieu Blazy sent the tiny heel-cap accessories down the runway as part of its Cruise 2027 collection presented in Biarritz, France and the fashion world had plenty of thoughts. Largely which involved the opinion they couldn’t be called sandals at all.
Now, Qualley is the first celebrity to jump on the look, decreeing the toes-out style as perfect for a movie premiere in London.
At first glance, the star’s red carpet ensemble for the The Dog Stars premiere looks chic, modern and fairly sedate. Until you realise she’s basically barefoot.
A fresh, modern take on occasion dressing? Or a strange aesthetic contrast to the fringed black ankle-length Chanel dress and diamond earrings.
In a release about Qualley’s ensemble, Chanel appears to address the debate by referring to the diminutive items not as shoes or sandals, but as ‘heel jewellery.’ The small black pair consists of a sculpted leather heel cap adorned with the famous interlinking C’s. Two corded leather laces tie at the front to hold them on, and nothing else.
Despite their polarising potential, with Qualley’s seal of approval, they’ll no doubt be a sellout when they land in stores
As for our opinion? We’re all for a viral new fashion trend and can see the appeal. However, we think they’re best as they were intended, in the gold pair, as a vacation decoration worn somewhere hot and sunny with a beach in sight. Watch out for rocks though.
