Just hours after gracing the Cannes red carpet in towering heels, supermodel Bella Hadid was spotted swapping her formal footwear for a pair of $180 thong sandals, a stark departure from festival norms. Hadid was photographed leaving a Cannes event in black 'Ginza' thong sandals by The Row, according to Vogue, a stark contrast to her earlier custom-made high heels, as reported by Harper's Bazaar. These ergonomic sandals quickly sold out in several sizes within 24 hours, per Fashionista, underscoring their immediate impact. The Cannes Film Festival demands peak glamour and formal attire, but Hadid chose comfort and casual chic, blurring the lines between high fashion and everyday ease. Her influential style choice suggests a future where traditionally formal events become more accessible to personal expression.
What Shoes Did Bella Hadid Wear at Cannes 2026?
The sandals were The Row's 'Ginza' style, retailing for $180, a brand celebrated for minimalist luxury, according to WWD. Hadid paired them with a white tank top and tailored trousers, a stark departure from her earlier gown, Elle reported. While a post-event choice, not for the red carpet, this moment unfolded within the highly photographed Cannes environment, as noted by Daily Mail. Her stylist, Mimi Cuttrell, has long integrated comfortable elements into Hadid's off-duty looks, per Interview Magazine. A deliberate choice of high-quality, casual sandals signals a conscious effort to blend comfort with elevated personal style, even amidst intense public scrutiny.
How Is Cannes Red Carpet After-Hours Redefined?
Hadid's footwear choice directly challenged Cannes' unspoken rule of continuous high-glamour, according to The Fashion Law. A public display of comfort by a supermodel reshapes expectations for post-event attire. Social media praised Hadid for her relatability and comfort-first approach, per Twitter Trends. While other celebrities have chosen comfort, Hadid’s high profile amplified this statement, Glamour noted. Her embrace of comfort post-Cannes signals a celebrity-led movement to normalize practical footwear, subtly redefining event dress codes even in exclusive fashion circles.
The Shift Towards Casual Luxury Footwear
The luxury market has seen a significant surge in demand for high-end sneakers and designer flats over the past two years, according to Bain & Company Luxury Report, reflecting a wider acceptance of comfort in affluent fashion. Consumer desire for versatile, comfortable clothing and footwear intensified, per the McKinsey Fashion Report, aligning perfectly with Hadid's choice for day-to-night transition. Brands like The Row, with their 'quiet luxury' aesthetic, have elevated everyday items such as thong sandals to high-fashion status, Business of Fashion reported. Celebrities increasingly leverage personal style to influence these trends, blurring lines between aspirational and accessible fashion, Forbes noted. Hadid's decision is a high-profile example of this broader industry shift, integrating comfort and casual elements into luxury fashion, driven by both consumer demand and influential figures.
What's Next for Formal Event Footwear?
Industry analysts predict a continued rise in 'elevated casual' footwear at formal events, according to Footwear News, indicating a lasting impact from celebrity choices like Hadid's. High-profile events such as the Met Gala have already showcased more unconventional or comfortable footwear, Vogue Runway reported. Broader acceptance empowers attendees to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style, leading to more diverse red-carpet footwear, per Fashionista. The rigid expectations of formal event footwear appear set to soften, allowing for greater personal expression and comfort, potentially fostering a more inclusive and diverse red-carpet aesthetic.
If celebrity influence continues to champion comfort over strict formality, red-carpet events will likely see an even greater embrace of personal style, making fashion's grandest stages more reflective of everyday luxury.
