After gracing the Cannes red carpet in towering designer heels, Bella Hadid touched down in Saint-Tropez wearing surprisingly affordable $180 Massimo Dutti black leather thong sandals, reports WWD. She completed the look with a matching Massimo Dutti midi dress and woven shoulder bag.
Celebrities typically showcase aspirational, high-end fashion. Yet Hadid actively chooses accessible, casual pieces for public appearances.
This isn't just a style choice; it's a statement. Celebrity style is pivoting, prioritizing relatability and comfort over pure luxury, potentially democratizing high fashion for the mainstream.
Beyond the Heels: A Repertoire of Relatability
Hadid's footwear choices extend beyond red carpet glamour. She's also sported metallic Puma Speedcats, WWD reports. This isn't just versatility; it's a calculated embrace of sporty and casual elements, proving high fashion can coexist with everyday cool.
From Stilettos to Sandals: A Strategic Pivot
Hadid's past is paved with high-fashion, elevated footwear. At Cannes, she famously donned Jimmy Choo's Ixia 95 pump, towering at 95mm, WWD reports. She's also graced red carpets in Louis Vuitton x Murakami heels and Prada pumps. This history of aspirational glamour makes her recent $180 thong sandals not just a downshift, but a calculated, dramatic statement of strategic versatility.
The Future of Influence: Authenticity Over Exclusivity
Hadid's pivot to accessible brands like Massimo Dutti is a shrewd move, cultivating a relatable image for a broader audience. By seamlessly transitioning from towering Jimmy Choo heels to $180 thong sandals, she actively redefines celebrity fashion. Influence, it seems, now stems from authenticity and versatility, not just exclusivity—a clear signal for consumer choices and brand strategies in 2026.
