The secure and demure slingback is back, and on the red carpet at Cannes no less.
Every year, the annual Cannes Film Festival hosts some of the most-watched red carpets and photocalls globally. The right fashion moment there can increase a brand’s (or star’s) name recognition exponentially. And if done right, it could kickstart (or even cement) a trend. This year at Cannes, it seems the slingback shoe style is on the block.
The slingback traces its roots back to the 1950s, reportedly created by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. The couturier worked with the atelier Massaro Paris to design the shoe featuring a beige upper and black cap toe. It was intended to fasten securely to the foot while the bi-color choices would appear to lengthen the leg and shorten the foot. Massaro eventually put elasticized leather in the shoe, which Chanel saw as a stroke of genius.
Since then, the style has become a staple, worn by the likes of Bridget Bardot, Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. High-fashion brands like Prada, Givenchy, Mugler and Christian Dior all have versions. In 2021, Amina Muaddi became the most Googled shoe designer, no doubt in part due to the company’s crystal-embellished “Begum” slingback. And now, the likes of Uma Thurman, Greta Gerwig and Zoe Saldana are all wearing the silhouette at Cannes.
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Greta Gerwig
As the first American female director to be the president of the film festival, Gerwig has been making a splash at Cannes. The director attracted a lot of initial buzz in a pair of Christian Louboutin for Maison Margiela white pumps, but since has rode the slingback wave — twice. In addition to wearing a pair of slingbacks for the press, she slid into a black leather patent leather slingback featuring a sharply pointed toe for the red carpet of “The Second Act” on May 14.
Hunter Schafer
Known for her stylish turns on the carpet, actress Hunter Schafer also got in on the trend. The model opted for a pair of yellow, Roger Vivier kitten heels. The silhouette features classic Vivier design signatures like a cutout and buckle at the vamp of the shoe.
The look was styled by Schafer’s collaborator, Dara Allen.
Hong Chau
At the “Kinds of Kindness” red carpet on May 17, Hong Chau wore Christian Dior. The actress opted for the company’s Tribales shoe, which features a distinctive heel pierced with a pearl.
The pointed-toe shoe is currently available for $1,350.
Selena Gomez
Working with stylist Erin Walsh, Selena Gomez wore a spring-appropriate all-white outfit on May 17. For her shoes, she also chose a classic Roger Vivier slingback featuring black detailing and the customary cutout and buckle at the vamp.
Emma Stone
Though all slingbacks are technically sandals, Emma Stone leaned into the sandal aspect. Stone attended the “Kinds of Kindness” on May 18 wearing a strappy style of patent leather. It featured a peep-toe and came from Louis Vuitton.
Uma Thurman
Many slingback shoes are kitten heels and Uma Thurman’s were no different. On May 18, at the photocall for “Oh, Canada,” the actress wore a pair of short black Jimmy Choo slingback shoes. They are the company’s Maryanne style.
The shoes featured a v-shaped vamp with a sharp, pointed toe. They were also a D’orsay silhouette.
Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana and Gerwig were twins of sorts. For the “Emilia Perez” photocall on May 19, Saldana wore a pair of Saint Laurent’s towering slingbacks as well. The shoe features a slick patent leather, a golden buckle and a sculpted heel.
Saldana’s were brown in lieu of Gerwig’s black shoes.
