TL;DR
Riley Keough wore a new architectural take on the clear shoe trend at Cannes, featuring Alaïa’s sculpted wedge sandals. The look signals a possible evolution of see-through footwear on the red carpet. Details about the trend’s broader impact remain emerging.
Riley Keough made a notable appearance at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on Friday, wearing Alaïa’s sculptural Invisible Thong Sandals with a clear wedge, marking a new iteration of the transparent shoe trend on the red carpet.
Keough attended the ‘Soudain’ competition screening in a black patent pair from Alaïa, featuring a transparent plexiglass wedge with a sculpted, architectural design. The sandals, priced at $1,690, combined a minimal front with a bold, geometric heel that diverges from typical stilettos or fully clear block heels, emphasizing a more substantial, weighty aesthetic.
The sandals showcased a thin thong strap and an angled patent strap across the foot, complemented by a slim buckled ankle band. Keough paired the shoes with a custom black Alaïa dress, styled by Jamie Mizrahi, which allowed the footwear to remain visible and highlighted the innovative design. The dress featured a strapless bodice, a gold belt, and a gathered skirt with openings that revealed the shoes.
This look is part of a broader trend at Cannes and beyond, where the clear wedge design has been seen on other celebrities such as Hannah Einbinder, who wore the same Alaïa sandals at a photocall earlier in the week. Outside Cannes, stars like Keke Palmer and Zoë Kravitz have also incorporated transparent footwear into their ensembles, signaling a shift toward more sculptural, statement-making versions of the trend.
Why It Matters
This development indicates a possible evolution in the transparent shoe trend, moving from minimal PVC mules to more architectural, weighty designs that add a sculptural element to red carpet fashion. Keough’s choice highlights how luxury brands like Alaïa are reinterpreting see-through footwear, potentially influencing future footwear designs and celebrity choices. The trend’s visibility at Cannes, a major global platform, underscores its relevance in high fashion.
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Background
The clear shoe trend gained prominence earlier this year with minimal PVC mules and sandals worn by celebrities like Keke Palmer and Zoë Kravitz. Cannes has historically been a showcase for bold fashion statements, and this week’s appearances by Keough and others suggest a shift toward more substantial, sculptural footwear that still retains the transparency motif. Alaïa’s wedge design, seen on Keough, is a notable variation within this trend, emphasizing architectural shapes and weight as a departure from the more delicate styles circulating earlier in the season.
“It feels like the birthplace of so many incredible films and filmmakers and careers, and this week I wanted to bring a different kind of fashion statement to Cannes.”
— Riley Keough
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether this sculptural wedge design will influence broader footwear trends beyond the high fashion context or if it will become a staple in everyday wear. The longevity and commercial viability of this more substantial transparent shoe style remain uncertain as the trend is still emerging.
sculptural see-through footwear
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What’s Next
Fashion critics and industry insiders will monitor whether more brands adopt this architectural approach to transparent footwear. Future celebrity appearances and runway shows in the coming months are expected to further explore or solidify this trend’s trajectory.
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Key Questions
What makes Riley Keough’s shoes at Cannes different from earlier clear shoe trends?
Her shoes feature a sculpted wedge with a transparent plexiglass heel, offering a more architectural and weighty alternative to the typical minimalist PVC mule or sandal.
Are Alaïa’s wedge sandals available for purchase?
Yes, the Alaïa Invisible Thong Sandals are priced at $1,690 and are available through select luxury retailers.
Will this wedge design influence future footwear trends?
It is uncertain, but the visibility of this look at Cannes suggests designers and brands may explore more sculptural transparent footwear in upcoming collections.
Who else has worn similar transparent wedge shoes recently?
Hannah Einbinder, Keke Palmer, and Zoë Kravitz have all incorporated transparent or clear-heeled footwear into their recent fashion choices, indicating a broader trend.
