Margaret Qualley Debuts Chanel's Controversial Barefoot Sandals at 'The Dog Stars' Premiere
Margaret Qualley wore Chanel's polarizing 'barefoot sandals' to the London premiere of Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' on August 20, 2026. The footwear, which features only a leather heel cap and ankle laces, leaves the toes and soles completely exposed. While the shoes were originally shown in Chanel's Resort 2027 collection in April, Qualley's red carpet appearance marked their first major public debut. The look drew mixed reactions, with some praising the bold fashion statement and others criticizing the impracticality of walking barefoot on a concrete carpet.
Key points
- Qualley wore a cap-sleeved, fringed little black dress designed by Chanel creative director Matthieu Blazy.
- The footwear consists of a leather heel cap with a CC logo and thin laces, leaving the rest of the foot uncovered.
- The shoes were part of Chanel's Resort 2027 collection presented in Biarritz, France, in April 2026.
- The premiere took place at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, featuring co-stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and director Ridley Scott.
- The shoes are not currently available for public purchase and are restricted to VIP or high-level Chanel clients.
Background
In August 2026, Margaret Qualley is also set to star in the Paramount remake of the 1981 horror film 'Possession,' directed by Parker Finn and scheduled for release in June 2027. This recent red carpet appearance follows her earlier coverage in our archive regarding the same event, where the focus was on the practicality versus fashion art debate surrounding the footwear.
How outlets are covering it
Vogue and The Cut emphasized the boldness and 'ethereal' nature of Qualley's style, framing the choice as a risk-taking moment appropriate for a red carpet. USA Today highlighted the mixed public reaction, noting comments that ranged from 'ten toes down' to 'I hate it, but I respect it.' Deadline provided the factual context of the premiere, confirming the attendance of the full cast and the film's upcoming theatrical release on August 28. All sources agree that the shoes were a significant talking point, though they differ in their tone regarding the practicality of the footwear.
Why it matters
This event highlights the increasing trend of 'barely-there' footwear in high fashion, moving from runway concepts to red carpet reality. It also underscores the exclusivity of Chanel's latest designs, which are not commercially available, creating a divide between accessible fashion and elite client-only pieces. The reaction to Qualley's choice reflects broader cultural debates about the intersection of comfort, practicality, and avant-garde style in celebrity culture.
What to watch
The film 'The Dog Stars' is set to open in theaters on August 28, 2026. Chanel has not confirmed mass production of the barefoot sandals, with some reports suggesting a potential release window in November 2026. Qualley is expected to continue promoting the film, potentially wearing more conventional footwear for future events.
- Margaret Qualley Brings Chanel’s Barefoot Sandals to the Red Carpet Vogue
- Margaret Qualley Just Wore Those Controversial Chanel Shoes for ‘The Dog Stars’ Premiere People.com
- ‘The Dog Stars’ World Premiere Red Carpet: Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Rak The Dog & More Deadline
- Well, Someone Had to Wear Them The Cut
- Margaret Qualley rocks controversial shoe trend: See the photos USA Today
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