TL;DR
Riley Keough showcased a wedge version of the clear shoe trend at Cannes, wearing Alaïa’s sculptural sandals. This marks a notable shift in the ongoing see-through footwear conversation. The look was styled with a custom Alaïa dress, highlighting the trend’s evolution.
Actress Riley Keough appeared at Cannes wearing Alaïa’s transparent wedge sandals, marking a notable evolution of the emerging clear shoe trend with an architectural design twist.
Keough arrived for the ‘Soudain’ competition screening in a pair of Alaïa’s Invisible Thong Sandals, which featured a sculpted 90mm plexi wedge and black patent straps. The shoes departed from the typical PVC mule, instead offering a more substantial, sculptural wedge with a large cutout effect. The sandals were paired with a custom black Alaïa dress, styled by Jamie Mizrahi, which allowed the shoes to be prominently displayed. This look follows a similar appearance by actress Hannah Einbinder at a Cannes photocall earlier in the week, who also wore the same Alaïa wedge sandals. The trend of clear-heeled shoes has been gaining momentum outside Cannes as well, with celebrities like Keke Palmer and Zoë Kravitz sporting similar transparent footwear in recent weeks.
Why It Matters
This development signifies a shift in the clear shoe trend from minimal, barely-there designs to more sculptural and architectural interpretations. Keough’s wedge version adds weight and structure to the trend, potentially influencing future footwear designs and red carpet fashion choices. The trend’s visibility at Cannes, a major fashion and film event, underscores its growing prominence in high-end styling.
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Background
The clear shoe trend has been building throughout spring 2026, with celebrities and designers experimenting with transparent materials. At Cannes, the trend has been notably embraced, with multiple appearances of similar styles. Riley Keough’s choice of Alaïa’s sculptural wedge sandals marks a refinement and elevation of this look, aligning with the festival’s reputation for bold fashion statements. The trend’s evolution from minimal PVC mules to more structured, architectural wedges reflects broader shifts in footwear design and luxury fashion experimentation.
“It feels like the birthplace of so many incredible films and filmmakers and careers, and this week I’ve treated Cannes as a place for less expected fashion choices.”
— Riley Keough
“Keough’s Alaïa sandals marked a new take on the transparent shoe trend, with a sculptural wedge that added weight and architectural interest.”
— WWD
What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether this wedge interpretation will influence broader footwear trends or remain a high-profile, exclusive style for red carpet events. The future popularity of sculptural wedges versus minimal clear shoes remains to be seen.
What’s Next
Fashion observers will watch for further celebrity appearances and runway shows that may adopt or expand upon this architectural clear shoe trend. The next major event could solidify whether this style becomes mainstream or remains a statement piece.
Key Questions
What makes Riley Keough’s shoes different from earlier clear shoe trends?
Her Alaïa sandals feature a sculpted plexi wedge with a black patent frame, adding architectural weight and structure, unlike the minimal, barely-there PVC mules seen earlier this season.
Will this wedge style influence future footwear designs?
It’s uncertain. While the look gained prominence at Cannes, whether it will become a mainstream trend depends on its adoption by designers and celebrities in upcoming seasons.
Are these shoes available for purchase?
Yes, Alaïa’s Invisible Thong Sandals are priced at $1,690, but the sculptural wedge version worn by Keough appears to be a custom or limited edition style.
Is this trend exclusive to high fashion or accessible to the general public?
Currently, these are high-end designer pieces primarily seen on celebrities and at major events. Wedge versions of clear shoes are less common in mass retail but could influence future affordable styles.
