Margaret Qualley’s Controversial Chanel Barefoot Sandals Go Viral at The Dog Stars Premiere

August 23, 2026 Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor Entertainment

The internet isn’t quite sure whether to celebrate or mock the latest footwear experiment to leave the runway. According to coverage from Getty Images, Qualley stepped onto the red carpet at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square wearing a pair of shoes that left the majority of her feet completely bare and touching the ground. Paired alongside Jacob Elordi at the high-profile screening, the actor’s choice of attire immediately ignited polarized reactions across social media platforms like X and Instagram.

Margaret Qualley Debuts Chanel’s ‘Barefoot’ Sandals in London

Inside the Chanel Resort 2027 Coastal Concept

Deconstructing the Chanel Resort 2027 design reveals footwear that functions more as a concept than a traditional shoe. As reported by Mathrubhumi, the shoes consist of black heels strapped to the feet with two sets of laces, lacking any conventional sole covering the toes or the ball of the foot.

The shoes were originally introduced during a runway show in April in the French seaside resort city of Biarritz by creative director Matthieu Blazy. That collection leaned heavily into coastal motifs, featuring seashell earrings, coral embellishments, and mermaid-inspired details designed to evoke a beach-to-salon atmosphere.

Logistical Hurdles on the Global Press Tour

Social Media Splits on Shrinkflation and Chic

Social media users on X joked that the footwear was a stark reflection of economic “shrinkflation,” with one user quipping that the fashion brand would likely sell just the front portion next season. Conversely, defenders of the look praised its boldness, with one commenter declaring it genuinely chic. Fashion insiders on Instagram similarly questioned the practical utility of the design, asking if the price tag matched the missing material while others hailed it as an updated anklet for the beach.

Margaret Qualley's Controversial Chanel Barefoot Sandals Go Viral at The Dog Stars Premiere
Photo: today.com

Balancing Visual Noise with Meticulous Logistics

Qualley balanced the visual noise of the footwear by pairing them with a black Chanel V-neck dress featuring cap sleeves and layers of delicate fringe.

By keeping her hair in soft waves and opting for minimal jewelry alongside dark polish on her hands and feet, the styling prevented the outfit from tipping into costume territory.

Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.

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