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.
If this trend continues, celebrity endorsements will likely shift from aspirational luxury to an emphasis on accessible, authentic style, reshaping consumer expectations and brand partnerships.
