Kate Moss’s annual sojourn to Formentera, the quaint and balmy island just south of Ibiza, continues. Each August, she returns to the Balearics to enjoy the tranquil waters and blistering heat before the chaos that is fashion month begins. And given her supermodel status, it should come as no surprise to see that Moss takes her European summer wardrobe a little more seriously than others.
This year, she’s already delivered quite a few notable looks, from the dual Hermès bags she carried instead of luggage when she arrived at the port, to the Jackie Kennedy-inspired silk-scarf-and-oversized-sunglasses combination she styled for a beach day. Indeed, with the 52-year-old synonymous with bohemian dressing with a rock-and-roll sensibility, there was no possibility her holiday attire would be anything but conventional. This was extended to her shoe choices earlier today when she stepped out to run errands in the sandal trend I assumed was relegated to the 2000s.
For the occasion, she paired her black lace-trimmed tank top with a raw-hem denim miniskirt and lace-up gladiator sandals. Despite a fervour for all things noughties sweeping fashion right now, it seems that this controversial lace-up style hasn't been given the same warm reception as other shoe trends from the decade, like jelly flip-flops, wedge trainers and metallic ballet flats.
That was until the recent press tour for Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. Despite her minimal—albeit scene-stealing—camera time, Zendaya used the film’s promotional run as an opportunity to prove why she was cast as Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom. Between her Matières Fécales angel wings and fresh-from-the-runway Schiaparelli couture, she also wore a pair of Sophia Webster heeled gladiator sandals that crisscrossed all the way up to her knees.
As many of us who lived through the first reign of gladiator sandals can agree, the thought of encasing our feet in these swathes of bronze cords again should be approached with caution. But with more tastemakers co-signing on this style’s comeback, it appears it will only be a matter of time before these tie-up shoes hit the mainstream again. If you’re ready to invest in them now and give them one shot before summer takes its final bow, scroll through to shop the best gladiator sandals currently available.
Shop Kate Moss' Gladiator Sandals
Hailing from Australia, this sleek, minimalist sandal brand is endorsed by Hailey Bieber, Elsa Hosk and Taylor Swift.
Given that gladiator sandals have been approved by both young millennials and Gen Z, it should come as no surprise to see these have almost sold out.
There's more to this brand than psychedelic and geometric prints.
If there's one brand that has never let gladiator sandals go, it's Free People.
If money were no object, this is the pair I'd be investing in.
For a subtler take on the trend, invest in a style that just wraps around your ankles.
Another take on the two-toned shoe trend.