Alexander Skarsgard Debuts Transparent Saint Laurent Shoes in London

Actor Alexander Skarsgard drew attention to an unconventional footwear design at the October 8 screening of his upcoming film Wicker during the 70th BFI London Film Festival in London. He paired transparent Saint Laurent shoes with a metallic gold suit worn without a shirt, bringing one of the fashion house's most debated runway designs to the red carpet.

According to coverage by USA Today, Skarsgard's outfit contrasted with the predominantly black ensembles worn by his Wicker co-stars Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki, and Olivia Colman. The transparent, elongated-toe shoes exposed his bare feet, making the footwear a prominent feature of his appearance.

The shoes, described as clear PVC or vinyl lace-up designs, first attracted attention when Saint Laurent presented its spring 2027 menswear collection in June. W Magazine reported that the London screening marked their first appearance on a red carpet after their runway debut.

Social media reactions to the design have been divided, with concerns focusing particularly on perspiration and condensation inside the shoes when worn without socks.

One social media user questioned the practicality of the footwear after its initial presentation, writing, "I can already smell the foot sweat," as reported by Vogue.

Other commenters expressed similar concerns after Skarsgard appeared at the London event. One Instagram user wrote, "They must look fancy with all the sweat and condensation," while another responded, "I'm calling the police," in comments on Saint Laurent's promotional post, according to USA Today.

Reactions to the actor's red-carpet appearance included criticism of the exposed-foot styling. One Instagram user commented on a GQ post featuring Skarsgard, "Men's feet should be illegal," according to USA Today.

Another commenter objected to the absence of socks, writing, "No socks is crazy," while a separate user said, "Just looking at those shoes is making my feet sweaty." Other responses were more favorable.

One supporter encouraged the actor with the comment, "Rock out Alex," while another offered an endorsement, writing, "Because it's him, I'll allow it." The gold suit also received praise, with one Instagram user commenting, "I love his suit," according to USA Today.

Skarsgard has previously embraced unconventional menswear during promotional appearances. W Magazine noted his earlier choices included a sparkly purple Dior top, a halter top by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, a shirt featuring a butt-plug print, and thigh-high Saint Laurent boots.

In an earlier interview with W Magazine, the actor discussed his approach to fashion, emphasizing personal enjoyment over conventional expectations.

"I think it's just a lack of sense of style, but at least I'm having fun," Skarsgard told W Magazine last year.

He expanded on that philosophy in a separate statement during the same interview, explaining how clothing should make the wearer feel.

"Whatever you wear, it's about how you feel. Are you excited to wear it? Does it make you happy?

I was very happy in all those outfits. You want to wear something that makes you radiate happiness and excitement," Skarsgard said.

The actor was promoting Pillion at the time of that interview, a romance film associated with BDSM themes. His latest project, Wicker, takes a different fantastical approach: Skarsgard plays a man made from wicker who comes to life to fulfill the romantic fantasies of lonely women who weave him.

The transparent-footwear trend has also appeared in womenswear. In August, Margaret Qualley wore Chanel sandals that left her feet exposed at the London premiere of The Dog Stars, pairing them with a fringed black dress from the brand's 2027 cruise collection.

Qualley's look also prompted contrasting online responses. One Instagram user praised the styling, commenting, "Ten toes down for this look," while another acknowledged the unconventional design despite disliking it, writing, "I hate it, but I respect."

Skarsgard's appearance adds another high-profile red-carpet outing for Saint Laurent's transparent footwear, a design that continues to generate debate over its unconventional presentation and practicality.