Chanel unveiled a surprising new sandal design at its Cruise 2027 show in the seaside city of Biarritz, France, on 28/4. Creative Director Matthieu Blazy introduced footwear that appears unfinished, consisting solely of a heel-wrapped sole. This design covers only one-fourth the length of a typical shoe, offering no support for the rest of the foot.

Chanel's new sandals allow three-fourths of the foot to touch the ground. *Photo: On The Runway*

Images of the "barely there" footwear quickly circulated on social media, prompting varied reactions. One user commented, "If you ever dreamed of strolling the streets with your dogs, feeling the crunch of mud and the indescribable debris of New York City, these are the shoes for you." Other comments included: "Truly insane", "For a long time, many fashion designs have been just for fun, with extremely poor practicality", and "Does Chanel dare to sell this design? And who would dare to wear them?". Another person quipped, "I imagine wearing these sandals and standing next to people wearing sharp high heels. Just thinking about it hurts."

Some designs from the 2027 resort collection show. *Photo: Kendam*

Designer Matthieu Blazy explained to WWD that this collection targets individuals who view footwear as a source of enjoyment, rather than a basic necessity. Beyond the controversial sandals, some critics found the overall collection lacking artistic merit compared to Chanel's previous designs. Blazy, however, asserts his designs are as rich and diverse as any other work he has created.

The collection draws inspiration from the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel, the fashion house's founder, and her deep connection to Biarritz. It was in this city that Gabrielle Chanel created her initial haute couture garments.

Chanel's Cruise 2027 Show. *Video: FF Channel*

The show also revisited many designs reflecting old Chanel styles, including small black dresses with diagonal embroidery and 1920s-inspired dresses featuring the double C logo on the side. The garments evoked a distinct resort ambiance, utilizing layers of soft carre silk, faded striped fabrics, tricot, and sequin fabric resembling shimmering fish scales on the sea.

By Hoa Mi (Source: Another)