This yr’s Cannes Movie Competition is properly underway and the star-studded occasion has already gifted us with numerous glamorous, high-fashion superstar appears. Jennifer Lawrence definitely lived as much as that normal together with her vibrant Dior robe worn on the purple carpet on Could 20 — nevertheless it was the flip-flops she paired with the look that basically captured audiences’ consideration.
At first look, one might imagine that the distinctive footwear alternative is a nod to Lawrence’s “relatable” superstar persona and a want to prioritize consolation over type. However, there truly could also be a deeper which means behind the star’s resolution to swap out her crimson excessive heels for the black flip-flops that she wore to stroll down the carpet’s well-known steps.
It’s extensively recognized that the costume code for Cannes purple carpets is formal, black tie apparel, however there seems to be an unwritten rule that ladies are anticipated to observe to attend the festivities: they need to put on excessive heels.
Whereas the origin of this unofficial guideline is oft-debated, there’s little question that top heels have lengthy been thought to be a staple of femininity and attractiveness for ladies. A 2022 examine discovered that ladies in excessive heels have been thought to be being extra sexually engaging and of a better social standing than girls who have been carrying flats. And but, whereas sky-high stilettos could complement an outfit, typically an elegant, snug pair of flats is the extra accountable name in the event you don’t need to be in ache all night time.
Nobody is aware of this higher than the A-listers who usually should attend hours-long occasions in constricting clothes and uncomfortable footwear. As such, there are a number of different well-known feminine celebrities who’ve challenged this sexist “rule” on previous Cannes carpets — and a few have been extra direct with their statements than others.
Isabelle Huppert and Cate Blanchett in 2023
Jennifer Lawrence wasn’t the one star to seemingly get up towards the rule at this yr’s Cannes Movie Competition. French film star Isabelle Huppert gave a refined nod to the absurdity of the rule of thumb by carrying nude Anatomic heels by Balenciaga on the premiere of Killers of the Flower Moon. This wasn’t simply any previous pump although, the design and color of the heel have been made to imitate a naked human foot, which completely made it appear to be Huppert was defying the “only high heels” rule on the carpet.
@byclaytondavis Cate Blanchett introduced the Breakthrough award to ZAHRA AMIR EBRAHIMI on the Cannes Movie Competition. Taking off her heels to face with the ladies of Iran. #Cannes ♬ authentic sound – Clayton Davis
Cate Blanchett took one of the direct stances of all when she introduced the Breakthrough Artist Award to Iranian-French star Zahra Amir Ebrahimi at this yr’s pageant. Earlier than introducing Ebrhaimi on stage, Blanchett made word of the sexist “ban” as she mentioned, “I am going to take my heels off, in honour of the women of Iran. This is to stab all the people that stand in the way of women’s rights.” Ebrahimi needed to flee Iran when she was in her twenties after an intimate video of her and her boyfriend was leaked and a legal case was made towards her for having pre-marital intercourse. As the 2 artists shared a hug onstage, it grew to become abundantly clear that Blanchett talking out towards the pageant’s “no flat shoes” ban was truly a a lot bigger political assertion on the necessity to communicate out on gender inequalities for all.
Pictures by Getty Photographs
Kristen Stewart in 2018
Kristen Stewart additionally made a press release towards gender inequality within the trend world on the purple carpet for Blackkklansman on the 71st annual Cannes Movie Competition in 2018. Equally to Roberts, Stewart ditched her Louboutin stilettos halfway via her look and walked the remainder of the carpet barefoot — and the star was rather more outspoken in regards to the alleged excessive heel rule. “I feel like you can’t ask people that any more. If you’re not asking guys to wear heels and a dress, you cannot ask me either,” she advised reporters. “I get the black-tie thing but you should be able to do either version — flats or heels.”
Pictures by Getty Photographs
Julia Roberts in 2016
As she walked the purple carpet for the premiere of Cash Monster again in 2016, Julia Roberts infamously kicked off her heels halfway via the occasion and concluded her look barefoot. When requested about her resolution to ditch the sneakers, Roberts mentioned, “A lot was happening from my ankles up. Let’s not forget all that. A lot of time and effort went into ankles up.” Whether or not this act of insurrection was a direct response to the “no flat shoes” rule at Cannes, its timing definitely makes it seem to be it was a press release. In 2015, only one yr earlier than Roberts walked the carpet barefoot, a gaggle of girls have been allegedly not allowed right into a screening of a movie at Cannes as a result of they have been carrying flat sneakers.
