A Cuban grandmother has unexpectedly become the center of a fashion controversy, drawing attention after a video of her was shared on Instagram by Spanish stylist and TV host Jomari Goyso. In the clip, she reacts to Chanel's newest "barefoot sandals," sparking a lively debate.
The buzz started when actress Margaret Qualley stepped onto the red carpet at the world premiere of The Dog Stars—directed by Ridley Scott—on Thursday at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. She donned a fringed black Chanel dress paired with these provocative sandals from the fashion house's Cruise 2027 collection.
Designed by Matthieu Blazy, the footwear features a heel cap connected by thin ankle straps, exposing most of the foot. The sandals are not yet available for purchase and have no confirmed price, though Goyso noted that some Chanel shoes can cost up to $2,000.
Mayra Fajardo, known on social media as @la_exxotica and a production assistant at the show Despierta América, was quick to voice her opinion: "Chanel is cutting costs."
Goyso attempted to convince her that Qualley wasn't barefoot but was walking on a red carpet. The grandmother remained firm: "I love the dress, but those shoes, with that design from the arch of the foot back, are not for me. She'll catch germs and end up with a fungus any moment now."
Fajardo drew on familial wisdom to support her stance: "My grandmother used to say that parasites enter through the feet." The host replied humorously: "Your grandmother was mistaken, bless her soul in heaven, but no, parasites don’t enter through the feet."
The grandmother went further in her assessment: "I see her visiting a podiatrist to have her black nails treated because she's going to get a fungus. Honey, you've already caught the parasite, so it's too late," she joked about the actress in the video.
The video ignited a flood of comments, mostly agreeing with Fajardo. "Chanel is cutting costs; nothing could be truer," a follower noted. Another remarked, "Welcome to the Flintstones era... Chanel would rise from the grave, see this, and die again."
Goyso, whose full name is Josemari González Solana, is a regular figure on Univision and a collaborator at Despierta América, where he earned an Emmy in 2023.
The Chanel sandals had already sparked division within the fashion industry since their runway debut in April 2026, with reactions ranging from admiration for their bold concept to outright rejection.
Their arrival in boutiques is anticipated for November this year, though Qualley became one of the first public figures to wear them off the runway this week.
While the luxury fashion world debates whether extreme minimalism is art or absurdity, a Cuban grandmother has made her opinion unmistakably clear.
Chanel's Controversial Barefoot Sandals: Key Questions Answered
What sparked the debate over Chanel's barefoot sandals?
The debate was ignited when Margaret Qualley wore the sandals at a movie premiere, and a Cuban grandmother's reaction to the design went viral on social media.
Who is Jomari Goyso?
Jomari Goyso is a Spanish stylist and TV host who is a regular on Univision and won an Emmy in 2023 for his work on Despierta América.
What are the features of Chanel's controversial sandals?
The sandals, designed by Matthieu Blazy, feature a heel cap with thin ankle straps, leaving most of the foot exposed. They are part of Chanel's Cruise 2027 collection.