Qualley stuns, walks barefoot in Chanel, ignites safety backlash

Margaret Qualley walked the carpet at the London premiere of *The Dog Stars* on Thursday, wearing a pair of half‑shoes that left her toes and ball of the foot exposed. The sandals, part of Chanel’s Resort 2027 collection, were designed to cover only the heels.

Qualley’s choice sparked an immediate social media reaction.

The sandals have already drawn criticism for their impractical design. Commenters described them as “atrocious,” “unsanitary,” and “nasty.bold, avant‑garde” statement on the runway. However, the design was criticized by industry insiders for lacking practicality and safety for wearers on uneven surfaces.

The London premiere of *The Dog Stars* provided a high‑profile platform for the sandals to debut publicly. Qualley’s choice to pair the controversial footwear with an embellished black gown drew attention from both fashion critics and general audiences.

The garment’s striking aesthetic amplified the debate around the practicality of the design.

Industry observers noted that the sandals were a departure from Chanel’s tradition of fully enclosed or elegantly minimal shoes. The brand’s creative director, Matthieu Blazy, defended the design as an evolution of contemporary footwear trends, though public response has been largely negative.

## Social Media & Public Reaction

After Qualley stepped onto the carpet, Instagram comments surged. Users labeled the sandals “atrocious,” “unsanitary,” and “nasty.bare‑foot shoe” that failed to cover the foot properly. The backlash was swift and widespread, with many calling for a return to traditional shoe designs for red‑carpet events.

Fashion journalists on Twitter echoed the sentiment that the sandals were impractical. A few commenters praised Chanel’s ambition but urged caution due to safety concerns. The discussion also included broader questions about designer responsibility and public safety on event floors.

Despite the criticism, some fans defended the sandals as a bold fashion statement. They argued that avant‑garde styles should challenge conventional norms, even if they pose functional risks. This division illustrates the tension between artistic expression and practical considerations in celebrity fashion choices.

## Previous Bare‑Footed Red‑Carpet Incidents

The trend of going barefoot or shoe‑less on red‑carpet events has historical precedents. At the premiere of *Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle*, an actress experienced a broken stilettos and opted to pose without shoes.

In London, Zooey Deschanel removed her strappy sandals mid‑carpet during the premiere of *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*, .

An actor known as “Hungconnected with the environment.” The statement was reported in 2016, suggesting a long‑standing approach to footwear on public occasions. Oscar winner Sophie Turner defied Cannes’ flat ban by removing her platforms and walking the steps barefoot.

Kristen Stewart followed suit, removing pumps during a film festival premiere two years later. In 2018, Jennifer Lawrence accepted an award while wearing only one Louboutin boot, sparking discussion about the balance between statement and safety.

More recently, Kesha walked the red carpet without shoes at the Grammys, and Doechii chose a shoe‑less look for the Met Gala to highlight her ankle jewelry.

These moments demonstrate a recurring pattern where celebrities prioritize personal comfort or fashion statements over traditional footwear expectations. The public reception varies from enthusiastic support to sharp criticism, depending on the event’s context and the design’s practicality.

The debate around Chanel’s barefoot sandals adds another chapter to this ongoing dialogue about style, safety, and expression on the red carpet. As designers continue to experiment with unconventional footwear, observers will likely remain attentive to how these choices balance artistic vision with real‑world functionality.