Anya taylor-joy declares: the 'naked shoe' is here
Anya Taylor-Joy isn’t just riding the naked dressing trend; she’s evolving it. At Miley Cyrus’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Monday, the actor unveiled the latest iteration: the barely-there ‘naked shoe,’ a perspex-strapped sandal that’s as much a statement as it is footwear.
A toast to authenticity, and a glimpse of silver
The occasion itself was a celebration of Cyrus’s unapologetic evolution, a sentiment Taylor-Joy eloquently captured in a heartfelt speech. “Miley didn’t just grow up in front of the world; she outran every expectation it set for her,” she declared, praising Cyrus’s ability to “challenge the rules, rewrite them, and, every once in a while, set them on fire in a teddy bear costume.” It was a genuinely touching tribute, delivered with the kind of sincerity that cuts through the usual Hollywood fanfare.
But let’s be honest, the fashion was equally compelling. Taylor-Joy arrived radiating vintage glamour in a sparkling silver Bob Mackie gown—an archival piece from the designer’s 1990 resort collection, featuring crystal and white satin bugle-beaded fringe. The halter dress, with its razorback detail, was a perfect canvas for the minimalist footwear. The perspex sandals, offering minimal coverage, were a bold choice, but one that felt entirely in character for Taylor-Joy, who has consistently championed sensuous, skin-baring silhouettes, from Dilara Findikoglu corsetry to Tom Ford’s vampy designs.
Donatella Versace, also in attendance, offered a contrasting, yet equally striking, look: a white Versace mini-dress with gold-embellished shoulders and go-go style platform boots. Cyrus herself, naturally, opted for another head-turning ensemble—atelier Versace couture from the fall 2015 collection, a near-naked dress featuring webbed black material and crystal embroidery. The entire affair felt like a curated showcase of high-fashion audacity.
The ‘naked shoe’ isn’t entirely new. Early adopters like Zoe Kravitz and Hailey Bieber have been experimenting with transparent heels as summer approaches. But Taylor-Joy’s commitment to the trend, coupled with the high-profile platform of the ceremony, elevates it beyond a fleeting micro-trend. It’s a declaration, a visual shorthand for a confidence that embraces exposure and celebrates the body.
The numbers speak for themselves: searches for ‘clear heels’ are up 400% in the last month, according to Google Trends. While the trend might not be for everyone, its visibility—and Taylor-Joy’s effortless execution—suggests it’s here to stay, at least for the season. And if Cyrus’s star continues to shine, as Taylor-Joy so eloquently put it, expect to see more daring footwear choices lighting up the red carpet.