American actress Margaret Qualley made a striking red carpet appearance at the London premiere of her new film The Dog Stars, walking across Leicester Square in a pair of £2,200 Chanel barefoot sandals that left almost her entire foot exposed to the pavement.
The 31-year-old star wore the ultra-minimalist shoes, which consist of nothing more than two thin leather straps and a tiny heel cap, leaving her feet almost entirely bare to the outdoor elements. Leicester Square, situated in the heart of London's West End, is a famous venue for major international film premieres.
Qualley, who is the daughter of Four Weddings And A Funeral actress Andie MacDowell, complemented the invisible sandals with a floor-length black cap-sleeved Chanel gown featuring fluttering black paillettes. MacDowell achieved global fame starring in the 1994 British romantic comedy classic. Qualley has been a brand ambassador for Chanel, the French luxury fashion house, since she was 16 years old.
Chanel Barefoot Sandals Design
The unusual footwear was created by designer Matthieu Blazy and unveiled in Biarritz in April as part of his debut Resort 2027 collection for Chanel. Biarritz, a coastal town in southwestern France, has historically served as a resort location for high fashion presentations. While it is not yet known whether the £2,200 sandals will be made available for public purchase, intense interest surrounding Chanel since Blazy took over as artistic director last year suggests waiting lists may already be forming.
The commercial excitement surrounding the brand, dubbed "Blazymania", has coincided with strong financial performance. Chanel's operating profits have increased by 5 per cent to £3.4 billion since Blazy assumed artistic leadership at the house.
High Fashion Footwear Trends
Luxury fashion houses are no strangers to unconventional shoe designs that spark public debate. Previous examples of quirky footwear include Balenciaga's platform Crocs, which retailed for £720, and Golden Goose's £420 distressed leather sneakers that are sold pre-scuffed with deliberate dirt marks.
As a former trained ballet dancer, Qualley's feet are accustomed to rigorous physical demands. Having spent countless hours performing en pointe during her dance training, navigating London's stone pavement in minimal sandals represented a familiar challenge.
The high-profile red carpet appearance comes after recent developments in Qualley's personal life. Last month, the actress announced her separation from her husband of three years, 42-year-old record producer Jack Antonoff. Antonoff, a prominent American musician and songwriter, is a close friend and long-time collaborator of pop star Taylor Swift.
